Decreased aortic inertance increases susceptibility of late-systolic left ventricular ejection to arterial wave reflections

Background: Left ventricular (LV) afterload patterns consisting of late-systolic loading has been linked to LV remodeling and fibrosis in a number of studies. The contributions from arterial wave reflections (WR) has therefore garnered much interest. Aortic dilation may facilitate the adverse effects of WRs through its effect on aortic inertance. Decreased aortic inertance from aortic dilation is particularly important in late-systole, when the LV-aortic pressure gradient generally reverses and ejection decelerates until time of aortic valve closure.

Source: Artery Research - November 25, 2016 Category: Cardiology Authors: Timothy S. Phan, John K.-J. Li, Amer Ahmed Syed, Harry G. Oldland, Uzma Kewan, Scott R. Akers, Julio A. Chirinos Source Type: research