Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Two-dimensional echocafdiography has gained widespread acceptance I as the procedure of choice to evaluate left ventricular function. In the last decade, the importance of diastolic function in the overall performance of the left ventricle has received much attention. Recent evidence suggests that diastolic dysfunction may contribute to symptoms of left heart failure in many patients, including those with normal sys tolic function. Alterations in transmitral Dop pler flow velocity patterns have been used to assess changes in left ventricular diastolic func tion. This article reviews the concept and clin ical signincance of diastolic function and the assessment of diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography.