My Approach to Myocardial Work: Why and for Whom?

Abstract

The emergence of a new noninvasive tool known as myocardial work (MW) for assessing ventricular function, which is independent of load conditions, has been fundamental in advancing current imaging methods, such as myocardial strain. Strain is considered a sensitive technique in the detection of subclinical dysfunction, even though it is still dependent on load conditions, making it impossible to differentiate contractile alteration from interference caused by increased afterload alone. This new technology incorporated into myocardial strain will increase the sensitivity of the method.