Effect of preload alternations on a new Doppler echocardiographic index ofcombined systolic and diastolic performance

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of preload alternations on a nongeometric Doppler index of combined systolic and diastolic myocard ial performance (MPI). Doppler echocardiography was performed during Valsal va maneuver, passive leg lifting, and after sublingual administration of ni troglycerin in. 50 healthy volunteers (group 1) and 25 patients (group 2) w ith previous myocardial infarction. MPI was significantly lower in group 1 (0.34 +/- 0.04) compared with group 2 (0.52 +/- 0.14), P < .0005. In group 1 MPI was significantly increased during preload manipulations (P = .001). The largest change in MPI was induced by nitroglycerin (0.034 +/- 0.05). In group 2 no significant changes in MPI were found. In both groups peak E-wa ve velocity (P < .0005), E/A-ratio (P < .0005), and E-wave deceleration tim e (P < .0005) were found to change during preload alternations. In conclusi on, rye found in normal subjects and to a lesser extent in patients with pr evious myocardial infarction that MPI is influenced by preload.