Echocardiographic Measures of Strain and Prognosis

Abstract

Echocardiography is the most frequently used imaging modality to determine cardiac function. Left ventricular ejection fraction the most widely used parameter for evaluation of systolic function, provides important prognostic value in clinical practice, and forms part of the evidence base for many decisions about cardiovascular care. However, ejection fraction has several substantial limitations and is insensitive to subtle changes in systolic function. The assessment of myocardial deformation with echocardiography has been studied for two decades, and is increasingly used in the clinical setting. This technique can precisely characterize the mechanics of myocardial contraction and relaxation. The most commonly used parameter is global longitudinal strain, which is more sensitive than ejection fraction for the measurement of systolic function. This review focuses on the prognostic value of global longitudinal strain in predicting adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease.