ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the echo assessment of the left ventricle and its systolic function. The measurement of linear and volumetric left ventricular (LV) parameters is discussed, including the biplane Simpson's method and the area–length method. The calculation of LV mass is also discussed. The chapter describes the evaluation of LV systolic function using ejection fraction and discusses other parameters that reflect systolic function, including fractional shortening, stroke distance and cardiac output. The clinical application of these measurements to the assessment of heart failure is also discussed.
