Validity of predicting left ventricular end systolic pressure changes following an acute bout of exercise

Objectives: Left ventricular end systolic pressure (LV ESP) is important in assessing left ventricular performance and is usually derived from prediction equations. It is unknown whether these equations are accurate at rest or following exercise in a young, healthy population. Design: Measured LV ESP vs. LV ESP values from the prediction equations were compared at rest, 15. min and 30. min following peak aerobic exercise in 60 participants. Methods: LV ESP was obtained by applanation tonometry at rest, 15. min post and 30. min post peak cycle exercise. Results: Measured LV ESP was significantly lower (p<0.05) at all time points in comparison to the two calculated values. Measured LV ESP decreased significantly from rest at both the post15 and post30 time points (p<0.05) and changed differently in comparison to the calculated values (significant interaction; p<0.05). The two LV ESP equations were also significantly different from each other (p<0.05) and changed differently over time (significant interaction; p<0.05). Conclusions: The two commonly used prediction equations did not accurately predict either resting or post exercise LV ESP in a young, healthy population. Thus, LV ESP needs to be individually determined in young, healthy participants. Non-invasive measurement through applanation tonometry appears to allow for a more accurate determination of LV ESP. © 2012 Sports Medicine Australia.