Looking Back, Going Forward: Understanding Cardiac Pathophysiology from Pressure-Volume Loops

Simple Summary The cardiovascular pathophysiology's complexity has been sharply rising, as a consequence of the advanced mechanical and pharmacological treatments. Pressure-volume loops (PVLs) depict in depth the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of both ventricles, as well as their interdependence. Therefore, the deep understanding of cardiac physiology based on PVLs provide a unique tool to interpret the increasingly demanding clinical scenarios.Abstract Knowing cardiac physiology is essential for health care professionals working in the cardiovascular field. Pressure-volume loops (PVLs) offer a unique understanding of the myocardial working and have become pivotal in complex pathophysiological scenarios, such as profound cardiogenic shock or when mechanical circulatory supports are implemented. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the left and right ventricle physiology, based on the PVL interpretation.