DOPPLER-ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF LEFT-VENTRICULAR RELAXATION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE

The time constant of the left ventricular isovolumic pressure decline (Tc) was determined according to the Weiss equation in 23 patients with chest pain who underwent cardiac catheterization. Out of them 15 patients had significant coronary artery stenosis (CAD). Tc was compared to 21 diastolic Doppler data derived from the transmitral inflow. We could predict the Tc from Doppler data using a stepwise multiple regression model, Tc = (0.072 x A - Vpeak) - (0.387 x A-dect) - (0.137 x E-dect) + 0.050 (r = 0.7493, p < 0.0011 SEE = 0.007 sec.). All Doppler data and the predicted Tc were examined among the CAD and the healthy groups, the predicted Tc and E/A ratio indicated the best discriminant functions.