Arterial-Ventricular Coupling Evaluation in Individuals with Stress-Evidenced Diastolic Dysfunction: A Pilot Study*

INTRODUCTION: Arterial-ventricular coupling (AVC) has been recognized as a key determinant of global cardiovascular performance. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) occurs when inadequate filling of the ventricles is related to an abnormal elevation of intracardiac filling pressures. In some cases, DD is evidenced during cardiac stress, provoked by exercise. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate AVC in individuals with stress evidenced DD, in relation to controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stress echocardiography was applied to assess cardiac function during exercise. Arterial-ventricular coupling was evaluated, based on the assessment of left ventricular and arterial elastances. RESULTS: AVC showed a significant difference at peak exercise compared to controls, basically due to a loss of cardiac contractility. CONCLUSION: The manifestation of AVC coupling imbalance could act as a complementary parameter to support the diagnosis of DD.