To determine the sensitivity of several isovolumic and ejection phase indices of myocardial contractility to loading, inotropic stimulation and heart rate in man, 14 patients (pts) were studied during cardiac catheterization with simultaneous recordings of left ventricular (LV) pressures and ultrasound dimensions. Measurements were made of instantaneous and mean circumferential fiber shortening velocity (VCF), maximal (max) rate of LV pressure rise (dP/dt), dPHdt divided by end-diastolic circumference [(dP/dt)/C], (DP/dt)/C divided by aortic valve opening pressure [(dP/dt/CP], PEAK CONTRACTILe element velocity (VCE) using total LV pressure, VCE extrapolated to zero total pressure (Vmax), VCE at a developed pressure of 10 mm Hg (VCEDP10) and dP/dt at a common isovolumic developed pressure of 40 mm Hg [(dP/dt)/DP40]. Resulta are expressed in per cent change of the mean for the group. Acute preload increase (8.6% increase in end-diastolic circumference) with volume expansion at constant heart rate in 7 pts produced insignificant changes in VSF, an 8.3% increase in max dP/dt, no change in (dP/dt)/C, a variable response in (dP/dt)/CP, 18% reduction in peak VCE, 16% reduction in Vmax, 14% increase in VCEDP10, and a 10% increase in (dP/dt)/DP40. An acute increase in afterload produced by angiotensin in 8 pts (44% increase in peak stress) led to a 38% decrease in VCF, a 2.5% increase in max dP/dt, no significant change in (dP/dt)/C, a 26% reduction in (dP/dt)/CP, variable responses in peak VCE and Vmax, an 11% increase in VCEDP10 and minor changes in (dP/dt)/DP40. All of the contractility indices were augmented significantly by isoproterenol and atrial pacing. In a given patient, max, dP/dt appears to be useful in the assessment of acute changes in inotropic state since the magnitude of its response to abrupt changes in preload is small and to afterload insignificant. Normalizing max dP/dt for end-diastolic circumference assures better stability during loading with good sensitivity to inotropic stimulation. VCF may be used whenever changes in afterload are minimal. The isovolumic measurements of VCE (regardless of whether total or developed pressure is used) lack sufficient stability during acute changes in loading conditions to warrant their use in the quantitative assessment of acute changes in inotropic state.
