Ventricular Dynamics in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

During atrial fibrillation there are beat-to-beat changes of ventricular rate, end-diastolic volume, end-diastolic pressure, and arterial pressure or resistance to ventricular ejection. The effect of these variables on left ventricular dynamics in man has been approached by studying single sequences of beats in patients with atrial fibrillation. An index of changes of left ventricular volume has been determined from the electrokymogram of left cardiac border. Left ventricular pressures have been measured at surgery or by the transbronchial technic. These studies provide a better understanding of the hemodynamics of the left ventricle during atrial fibrillation and demonstrate another approach to the study of left ventricular function in man.