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Figure 7 LV Pressure-Volume Diagrams in the Normal Heart

In the baseline pressure-volume loop (1), the stroke volume (SV) is indicated, and the arrow indicates the ejection portion of the loop. With initial induced elevation of left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure, the stroke volume decreases (loop 2), but it is restored by increased diastolic filling (loop 3). When the systolic pressure is increased after marked volume loading, the limit of pre-load reserve is reached at LV end-diastole, afterload mismatch occurs, and the stroke volume decreases (loop 4). Reprinted with permission from Ross (19).