Non-invasive radial pulse wave assessment for the evaluation of left ventricular systolic performance in heart failure.

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) developed pressure (dP/dt) is a classical index of myocardial contractility related to prognosis during heart failure. We sought to assess the reproducibility and feasibility of use of the maximal first derivative of the radial pulse, Rad dP/dt, as a peripheral criterion of ventricular contractility in patients with heart failure.

Methods: We assessed 50 consecutive, patients with heart failure using aplanation tonometry to record the radial pulse wave and calculate Rad dP/dt.