Determinants and Assessment of Cardiac Function

Abstract

DefinitionsSeveral technics now available for the assessment of cardiac function will be discussed in these pages of the Journal during the next few months. The purpose of this article is to present relevant definitions and a framework for understanding these technics so that they can be applied to clinical problems in a rational manner.At the outset, it is useful to consider the distinctions between circulatory function, cardiac function and myocardial function. The circulation consists not only of the heart but also of the blood vessels and the blood contained therein. Thus, circulatory failure may occur when the function . . .