Understanding the Pressure-Volume Loop in Valvular Heart Disease

Abstract

Pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis remains the gold standard for studying cardiac physiology by offering a comprehensive analysis and quantitative assessment of the heart. The PV loop analysis uncovers the complex interplay between pressure and volume within the ventricle during each cardiac cycle and provide clinicians and researchers with invaluable insights into the efficiency and performance of the heart. By plotting ventricular pressure against ventricular volume, PV loops create a closed curve, signifying the dynamic changes occurring throughout the entire cardiac cycle. This review examines the importance of mastering the fundamentals of the PV loop and understanding valvular heart disease impacting the left heart.