End-diastolic dimension

End-diastolic dimension (EDD) is a term used in cardiology to describe the size of the ventricle at the end of its filling phase, or diastole. This measurement is often used in the assessment of heart disease and heart failure, as it can provide valuable information about the function and health of the heart.

Measurement

The end-diastolic dimension is typically measured using echocardiography, a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. The measurement is taken at the point of maximum ventricular filling, just before the heart contracts to pump blood out into the body. This is known as the end of diastole.

Clinical significance

The end-diastolic dimension is an important parameter in the evaluation of heart function. An increased EDD can indicate dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened. Conversely, a decreased EDD may suggest hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.

In patients with heart failure, the EDD can provide information about the severity of the condition and help guide treatment decisions. For example, medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers can help to reduce the size of the ventricle and improve heart function.

See also

• Echocardiography
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Diastole