DIASTOLIC COMPLIANCE OF LEFT-VENTRICLE IN CHRONIC SEVERE ANEMIA

Diastolic compliance of left ventricle (LV) was evaluated in 38 patien ts of chronic severe anaemia by recording the apexcardiogram (ACG) alo ng with measurement of A(2)O interval (interval between the aortic com ponent of second heart sound to the 'O' point of ACG) and isovolumic t ime (IVT). The A/H ratio (ratio of the A wave amplitude to total heigh t of ACG) and IVT were found to be reduced significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) along with nonsignificant change in A(2)O interval in anaemic s compared to age and sex matched controls. These changes reflect incr eased diastolic compliance of LV along with elevation in contractility to raise the cardiac output in chronic severe anaemia.