Figure 3. Progressive LV remodelling in the HF model measured by non-invasive serial echocardiography.
LV volumes: line graphs in upper panels depict changes in LV end-diastolic (A) and end-systolic (B) volumes among the 4 experimental groups over the course of 28 days. Data show marked and progressive LV dilatation in the HF group over time, reaching more than twice the LV chamber size by the end of the study when compared with the control groups. LV function: line graph in lower left panel (C) shows LV EF values measured in the 4 experimental groups at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days post-surgery and demonstrates a progressive decline in LV systolic function following HF surgery. EF decreased to 1/3 of the control level by the end of the study, while there were no significant changes seen in the Sham and TAC alone groups and only a minimal decline detected in the MI only group at the 28d time point. Panel D shows evidence of significant infarct expansion in the HF group only, measured by the SWMSI. * p<0.05 compared with Sham for all comparisons.