Influence of alterations in heart rate on left ventricular echocardiographic measurements in healthy cats

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sudden alterations in heart rate (HR) on left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and dimensions determined by echocardiography in healthy cats. Methods Six experimental cats were used. All cats were anaesthetised and HR was controlled with right atrial pacing. The interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall thickness at end diastole (IVSd and LVFWd, respectively), left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameter (LVIDd and LVIDs, respectively) and shortening fraction (FS) of each cat were assessed using echocardiography at pacing rates of 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and 180 ppm. Results There were significant relationships between HR and IVSd, LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs and FS. As the HR increased, LV wall thickness increased and chamber dimensions got smaller in a linear fashion. The maximum and minimum differences in wall thickness between 120 ppm and 180 ppm were 2.0 mm and 0.7 mm in single measurements, respectively. Conclusions and relevance LV wall thickness and dimensions were significantly influenced by alterations in HR.