Cardiac Function Determined by Echocardiogram

Echocardiographic analysis with a strip recorder gives an accurate assessment of cardiac function, easily obtainable at the bedside of the critically ill. Ejection fraction and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) are the two most accurate measurements of cardiac function. The diameter of the minor axis of the left ventricle is measured in systole (Ds) and diastole (Dd). Systolic volume is (Ds)-3, diastolic volume is (Dd)-3, ejection fraction is (Dd)-3-(Ds)-3 divided by (Dd)-3, Vcf is Dd-Ds divided by Dd times LVET.