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Figure 3 The mean change in fractional shortening (FS) as a function of the change in end-diastolic dimension index (EDDI) from baseline to day 14 and to sacrifice (day 34 ± 5, n = 15) in placebo-treated (black squares) versus furosemide animals (red circles). Furosemide group measurements were made at day 13 (±1) and sacrifice (day 23 ± 4, n = 14). Despite its diuretic action, furosemide was associated with similarly increased end-diastolic dimension and reduced FS compared with placebo, indicating that the reduced systolic performance in the furosemide group was not due to a drop in presystolic chamber volume. The change in FS at sacrifice was marginally greater in the furosemide group (p = 0.07). Sacrifice occurred at different time points due to the earlier development of systolic dysfunction in the furosemide group.