Non-Invasive Determination of Novel Aorto-Ventricular Matching from Doppler Echocardiography

Aorto-ventricular matching (AVM), the ratio of aortic elastance (E
_a
) and left ventricular (LV) end-systolic elastance (E
_es
), provides a framework for analyzing the interaction between LV function and aortic impedance. In the optimal condition, LV elastance (the energy source) and aortic elastance (the load) are coupled to maximize the amount of energy transferred from the source to the load. Conversely, mismatch between impaired LV function and increased aortic stiffness decrease efficiency of ventricular work transfer. The goal of this study was to propose, develop and validate a method to estimate A VM in humans from noninvasive single-beat parameters using Doppler echocardiography. This approach may broaden the clinical applicability of this useful parameter for assessing aorto-ventricular interaction and therapeutic response.