Age dependence of Doppler-echocardiographic filling indexes in normal subjects

To determine and confirm age-related changes in left ventricular filling indexes pulsed Dopper-echocardiographic studies were performed in 113 normal subjects, aged 16 to 73 years. The following indexes were computed: 1. peak early diastolic inflow: E (cm/s); 2. peak late diastolic flow velocity: A (cm/s); 3. the ratio peak A/peak E; 4. mean deceleration of early diastolic flow: Mean dec (cm/s/sup 2/) (from E to L points); 5. deceleration time of early diastolic filling: Dec time (ms) (time between E and L points); 6. half filling fraction: 1/2 FFR (fraction in % of the total area under the integrated transmitral flow velocity at one half the duration of the total diastolic filling time). An age related decrease in peak E, an increase in peak A, an increase in the ratio A/E, a decrease in mean deceleration, an increase in deceleration time and a decrease in half filling fraction were observed. These results show that in clinical studies age-related changes in diastolic filling pattern should be considered. These findings provide a data base which can be used in evaluating pathological situations.<>