What is end systolic volume?

End systolic volume (ESV) is the volume of blood left in the left ventricle at the end of systole, or when the heart is contracting. It is a measure of how much blood is remaining in the heart after it has ejected blood into the aorta. ESV is an important indicator of cardiac function and can be used to calculate stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat.

ESV is typically measured using imaging techniques such as echocardiography or cardiac MRI. A higher ESV can indicate reduced cardiac function, as the heart is not effectively pumping out as much blood with each contraction. This can be a sign of conditions such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or coronary artery disease.

Monitoring changes in ESV over time can help healthcare providers assess the progression of cardiac disease and the efficacy of treatments. Treatment options for reducing ESV and improving cardiac function may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical interventions.