An increase in preload has what effect on the MV Doppler parameters E velocity and deceleration time?

An increase in preload has what effect on the MV Doppler parameters E velocity and deceleration time?

• A. E velocity; decel time
• B. A velocity; decel time
• C. E velocity; A velocity
• D. A velocity; E velocity

Answer: (A)

Rising preload increases the pressure gradient from the left atrium to the left ventricle during early diastole, so more rapid early diastolic filling occurs and the E velocity rises. The deceleration time shortens because the higher filling pressures cause the LV to reach equalization with the LA pressure more quickly, making the early diastolic flow decelerate over a shorter interval. In short, higher preload tends to enhance the E velocity and shorten the deceleration time.

Rising preload increases the pressure gradient from the left atrium to the left ventricle during early diastole, so more rapid early diastolic filling occurs and the E velocity rises. The deceleration time shortens because the higher filling pressures cause the LV to reach equalization with the LA pressure more quickly, making the early diastolic flow decelerate over a shorter interval. In short, higher preload tends to enhance the E velocity and shorten the deceleration time.