LEFT-VENTRICULAR FUNCTION DURING LOWER BODY NEGATIVE-PRESSURE

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (6) , 512-515
Abstract
The response of the human left ventricle to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and the relation between left ventricular function and hemodynamic response was studied. Ventricular function curves relating stroke volume to end-diastolic volume were obtained in 12 normal men. Volume data were derived from echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters at rest and during LBNP at -40 mm Hg. End-diastolic volume decreased by 19% (P < 0.01) and stroke volume by 22% (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in heart rate, arterial blood pressure or end-systolic volume. Moderate levels of LBNP significant reduced preload and stroke volume, i.e., produced a Starling effect, without affecting contractile state. The absence of significant changes in heart rate and arterial blood pressure in the presence of a significant reduction in stroke volume was consistent with an increase in systemic peripheral resistance mediated by low-pressure baroreceptors.

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