The Pressure Volume Loop represents a graphical model in cardiovascular physiology where left ventricular pressure is plotted against volume to delineate distinct phases of the cardiac cycle: isovolumetric contraction, ejection, isovolumetric relaxation, and filling. The core mechanism relies on four cardinal points defined by valve dynamics—mitral closure (isovolumetric contraction onset), aortic opening (ejection onset), mitral opening (filling onset), and aortic closing (relaxation onset)—which demarcate systole from diastole. This theoretical framework quantitatively defines stroke volume as the difference between end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) while characterizing cardiac performance parameters such as contractility, afterload, and preload through shifts in loop geometry without altering underlying anatomical structures.
The Pressure Volume Loop represents a graphical model in cardiovascular physiology where left ventricular pressure is plotted against volume to delineate distinct phases of the cardiac cycle: isovolu…