ABSTRACT
The ability to image cardiac structures and to assess left ventricular (LV) function
noninvasively has made echocardiography extremely useful in the evaluation of
individuals with known or suspected heart disease. The noninvasive character of the
ultrasound technique has made it particularly applicable to an older population (1,2). The
goals of this chapter are to (1) discuss the effect of aging on LV systolic and diastolic
function by M-mode and Doppler echocardiography and (2) present normative M-mode
and Doppler echocardiographic measurement data that can serve as a basis for evaluating
cardiac structure and function in elderly individuals.
