Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

In healthy individuals, the normal diastolic function of the left ventricle involves a rapid initial filling phase, known as early diastolic filling, followed by a slower filling phase that occurs primarily during atrial contraction. This pattern of filling is characterized by an initial rapid influx of blood from the left atrium into the left ventricle as the mitral valve opens, which is facilitated by the pressure gradient between the left atrium and the left ventricle.

Once the left ventricle reaches a certain volume, the rate of filling decreases as the majority of blood enters the ventricle, and the remainder of the filling comes from the contraction of the left atrium during late diastole, which contributes to the final volume before the ventricles contract. This dynamic sequence ensures efficient filling and proper preload for effective cardiac output during subsequent systole.

The other options describe filling patterns that do not accurately reflect the physiological process of diastolic filling in a healthy heart. For instance, slow filling throughout all phases of diastole does not occur, as the initial phase is characterized by rapid filling due to the pressure difference. Constant low-pressure filling throughout diastole and complete absence of filling contradict the basic principles of cardiac function,