Comparison of the acceleration and velocity of shortening of the ventricular radius. Their potential applicability of noninvasive measurements of ventricular performance.

The maximal rate and maximal acceleration of shortening of the radius of the minor axis of the ventricle were correlated with various indices of ventricular performance in 20 patients with angina. The maximal acceleration of shortening showed a closer correlation with the ejection fraction, rate of change of flow, and ejection rate of change of power than did the maximal rate of shortening. It also distinguished more sharply between patients with normal and abnormal values of these indices, showing no overlap of values. The maximal rate of shortening showed a less distinct separation. These observations suggest that the acceleration of shortening of the ventricular radius reflects ventricular performance more closely than does the rate of shortening of the radius. These results are relevant in regard to potential applications of these indices by noninvasive techniques, particularly echocardiography.