Left Ventricular Global Systolic Function Assessment by Echocardiography

Abstract

Background: Accurate assessment of left ventricular (LV) global systolic function is essential for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Echocardiography remains the cornerstone imaging modality for evaluating LV systolic performance due to its wide availability, non-invasive nature, and real-time functional assessment. Conventional parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have been extensively used; however, they are limited by load dependency, geometric assumptions, and inter-observer variability. Recent advances in echocardiographic techniques, including tissue Doppler imaging and speckle-tracking echocardiography, have enabled more sensitive and reproducible assessment of myocardial function, particularly through the evaluation of global longitudinal strain. Integrating conventional and advanced echocardiographic indices provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of LV global systolic function, allowing earlier detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and improved clinical decision-making.