Left ventricular pressure-volume loop

Question 1

Left ventricular pressure-volume loop for single cardiac cycle (LVPVL) Step 1.

Answer 1

The AV valve opens

Question 2

(LVPVL) Step 2

Answer 2

Passive ventricular filling. Volume increases considerably and pressure increases slightly as blood enters

Question 3

(LVPVL) Step 3

Answer 3

Atrial contraction completes ventricular filling. End-diastolic volume is reached at end of this phase

Question 4

(LVPVL) Step 4

Answer 4

AV valve closes

Question 5

(LVPVL) Step 5

Answer 5

Isovolumetric ventricular contraction occurs. Volume remains constant, pressure increases a lot.

Question 6

(LVPVL) Step 6

Answer 6

The aortic valve opens

Question 7

(LVPVL) Step 7

Answer 7

A stroke volume of blood is ejected. Volume decreases as pressure peaks, then falls as blood leaves. END-systolic volume is reached at the end of this phase.

Question 8

(LVPVL) Step 8

Answer 8

The aortic valve closes

Question 9

(LVPVL) Step 9

Answer 9

Isovolumetric ventricular relaxation occurs. Volume remains constant; pressure falls sharply.