Newer Methods to Assess Diastolic Function

Echocardiographic assessment of LV diastolic function and LV filling pressures currently requires a multi-variable approach and current ASE/EACVI guideline document has recommended use of decision trees for aggregating the cluster of echocardiographic variables that are associated with a given severity of diastolic dysfunction1,2. Such algorithmic approach may not always be reproducible or accurate3, and therefore search for newer variables has continued. This chapter reviews the newer variables in myocardial muscle mechanics and fluid mechanics that may have potential role in the assessment of diastolic dysfunction.