Left ventricular heat production measured by coronary flow and temperature gradient

¹ Medical Clinics, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

The study of energetics of the left ventricular myocardium, normally based on its oxygen consumption and mechanical work performance, can be extended by determining its heat production as well. By considering all forms of energy input and output of the left ventricle, calculations were made of left ventricular net heat production under a variety of hemodynamic conditions. One of the mechanisms for removal of the heat produced is provided by the coronary blood, which is warmed in transit through the myocardium. Direct measurements of the rate of heat removal by the coronary circulation were made from coronary flow rate and veno-arterial temperature gradient. The fraction of left ventricular net heat production which is removed by the coronary perfusion is proportional to coronary flow rate. The fraction at a given flow rate is sufficiently reproducible to permit estimation of total heat produced from the portion measured in the coronary circulation. Certain of the theoretical applications of heat data may require more accuracy than appears feasible by this method. Which of the applications discussed will prove practical remains to be determined.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. M. Rudusky and L. A. Soloff The Myocardial Temperature Gradient and Ventricular Repolarizationa, b Angiology, May 1, 1968; 19(5): 257 - 267. [PDF]