The determination of the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle with each heartbeat, assessed non-invasively using echocardiography, is a crucial component of cardiac function evaluation. This assessment relies on measurements obtained from ultrasound imaging of the heart. Parameters such as left ventricular outflow tract diameter and velocity-time integral are acquired, and these values are then used in conjunction with heart rate to derive a quantitative measure of cardiac output.
Accurate quantification of left ventricular ejection provides valuable insights into cardiovascular health and disease states. It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of heart failure, valvular disorders, and cardiomyopathies. Historically, invasive methods were used to estimate cardiac output; however, advances in non-invasive imaging techniques have made echocardiography a cornerstone of cardiac assessment due to its accessibility, safety, and relative ease of use.
