The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness of the propagation velocity (Vp) measured by transthoracic color M-mode Doppler in patients with coronary artery disease and compare Vp with conventional diastolic function index using transmitral and pulmonary vein flow.

Study subjects were classified into two groups according to the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD): 44 subjects (M:F=22:22, mean age 63±12 yrs) with CAD (AMI; n=13 , unstable angina; n=5, stable angina; n=26); 31 normal subjects (M:F=13:18, mean age 43±15 yrs). Vp of early flow into left ventricular cavity measured by color M-mode Doppler was proposed as an index of left ventricular diastolic function. Vp was compared with conventional diastolic function index.

1. Vp in CAD patients (32.8±9.1 cm/sec) was lower than control (63.6±14.1 cm/sec)(p>0.01). Among CAD patients, Vp in CAD patients (30.1±8.6 cm/sec) with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was lower than Vp in CAD patients without LVH (35.9±8.9 cm/sec)(p>0.01). 2. Vp was correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (r=0.602, p>0.01), with D wave of pulmonary vein flow (r=0.540, p>0.01) and with E/A velocity ratio of mitral inflow (r=0.517, p>0.01) and negatively correlated with left ventricular mass index (r=-0.576, p>0.01).

The propagation velocity measured by color M-mode Doppler is a useful index for evaluation of diastolic function of left ventricle in the patients with coronary artery disease.