Effects of alterations in systolic pressure on radionuclide measurements of left ventricular filling dynamics.

To determine the effects of steady-state left ventricular systolic pressure alterations on radionuclide measures of left ventricular filling dynamics, we studied 15 normal patients and 17 patients with nonischemic heart disease. Micromanometer left ventricular pressures and computer assisted forward gated radionuclide angiograms were acquired simultaneously. Right atrial pacing maintained heart rates constant during the baseline condition and methoxamine and nitroprusside infusions.