Echocardiography provides a non-invasive method to determine the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat. This assessment involves measuring the left ventricular outflow tract diameter and velocity-time integral using Doppler techniques. The calculated parameter, representing the volume of blood pumped per beat, is crucial for evaluating cardiac function.
Accurate determination of this parameter is essential in assessing patients with heart failure, valvular disease, and other cardiovascular conditions. Serial measurements can track disease progression or response to therapy. Historically, invasive techniques were required for its evaluation; however, echocardiography offers a safe and repeatable alternative, significantly improving patient care and clinical decision-making.