Letter by Sanderson Regarding Article 'Contractile Behavior of the Left Ventricle in Diastolic Heart Failure: With Emphasis on Regional Systolic Function'

To the Editor: Aurigemma et al1 have attempted to reconcile the recent findings that ventricular long-axis function in systole is reduced in diastolic heart failure (DHF) with the standard concept that systolic function is entirely normal in this condition. They question the relevance of long-axis function mainly because annular velocities are within normal limits in some patients. However, DHF is episodic and often requires a triggering factor, such as an ischemic episode, arrhythmia, etc. No study to date has measured regional ventricular function …