A clinical approach to the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography: update 2003

Abstract

Thirty to fifty per cent of patients with heart failure have normal systolic function, implicating diastolic dysfunction as a major pathophysiologic abnormality. It is important to understand and recognise abnormalities of diastolic filling of the heart for proper diagnosis, prognosis, and institution of treatment. 3 Doppler echocardiography has become the primary tool for the assessment of diastolic function and left ventricular filling pressures. The purpose of this review is to summarise the physiology of diastole and develop a practical clinical approach for the non-invasive assessment of diastolic filling of the heart.