Systolic and diastolic dysfunction frequently coexist in heart failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate combined systolic and diastolic function in heart failure using new index presented by Dr. Tei. A new index: [(ICT+IRT)/ET] defined as the sum of isovolemic contraction time(ICT) and isovolemic relaxation time(IRT) divided by ejection time(ET).

Study patients consisted of 71 subjects. 20 normals, 23 patients in NYHA class II, 22 patients in NYHA class III and 6 patients in NYHA class IV. Left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimension, FS(fractional shortening) were measured by conventional echocardiography. ICT, IRT, ET, ICT/ET, deceleration time of mitral E wave and E/A of mitral flow were also measured.(ICT+IRT)/ET was easily obtained by subtracting ET from the interval between cessation and onset of the mitral inflow to give the sum of ICT and IRT. Cardiac output was calculated by left ventriculography in 10 normals and 19 patients.

The mean value of (ICT+IRT)/ET was significantly different between group IV(0.88±0.03) and group I(0.50±0.04) and II(0.50±0.03)(p<0.01). also, was significant between group IV and group III(0.63±0.04)(p<0.05). FS and deceleration time of mitral E wave were also significant between group III and group IV(p<0.05). Cardiac output calculated by left ventriculography was significantly correlated with(ICT+IRT)/ET(n=29, r=-0.463, p<0.05).

(ICT+IRT)/ET is a new and simple Doppler index of combined systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in patient with heart failure.