pressure-volume loops

Pressure-volume loops illustrate how the heart's chambers, especially the left ventricle, change in pressure and volume during each heartbeat cycle. As the heart fills with blood (diastole), volume increases while pressure remains relatively low. During contraction (systole), the chamber contracts, increasing pressure and ejecting blood, reducing volume. The loop's shape reveals heart function, showing how efficiently it fills and pumps. Changes in the loop can indicate issues like weakness or stiffness in the heart muscle, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing and understanding cardiac health.