Quantification of the contribution of septal movement to stroke volume in healthy subjects, athletes, patients with pulmonary insufficiency and patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background In theory, movement of the septum contributes to left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) if the movement is toward the left ventricle (LV) in systole. If the septum movement is toward the right ventricle (RV), as in dyssynchrony, the septal contribution to LVSV decreases. In patients with increased volume load of the RV the septum may move towards the RV and contribute to right ventricular stroke volume RVSV) at the expense of LVSV. The amount of contribution to stroke volume from septal movement is not kown. The aim of the study was to quantify the percentage of the left ventricular stroke volume, that is derived by the septal movement during systole, in healthy volunteers and patients with volume or pressure load of the RV.