Continuous Measurements of Left Ventricular Dimensions in Intact, Unanesthetized Dogs

Abstract

Left ventricular dimensions have been directly measured for extended periods of time in intact unanesthetized dogs under various conditions. The diameter of the left ventricle during diastole is very large in relation to the change in diameter during each cycle. Thus, considerable quantities of blood remain within the chamber at the end of systolic ejection. The stroke output can be increased by either more complete systolic ejection during exercise or by greater diastolic filling during a startle reaction. Accelerated heart rate occurs in both cases. Changes in left ventricular diameter occur very rapidly, often being manifest within the duration of a single cardiac cycle. Mechanisms by which changes in ventricular size can be directly affected by neural and hormonal influences are briefly considered.