Evaluation of diastolic function

Abnormalities of diastolic function are increasingly recognized as importan t components of the abnormal physiology in many patients with heart failure . In order to better understand the role of abnormalities of individual par ameters or diastolic function affecting filling of the left ventricular a b roader understanding of the relationship of systolic and diastolic performa nce on overall left ventricular pump performance should be considered. Whil e measurement of diastolic function noninvasively has become the predominan t way of assessing diastolic performance, invasive evaluation remains impor tant. Moreover, understanding the physiology of diastolic performance remai ns essential to proper diagnosis and management. Cathet Cardiovasc Interven t 2001;53:85-93. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.