The E/A ratio is a crucial Doppler echocardiography parameter used in cardiac ultrasound to assess left ventricular diastolic function. It represents the ratio of early (E wave) to atrial (A wave) transmitral flow velocities. A normal E/A ratio indicates healthy ventricular relaxation and filling, while abnormalities can suggest various stages of diastolic dysfunction, a common finding in heart failure and other cardiac conditions.
Understanding the E/A ratio is essential for cardiologists and sonographers to accurately interpret cardiac ultrasound images and guide patient management. This non-invasive measurement provides valuable insights into myocardial stiffness and left atrial pressure, making it a key diagnostic tool in comprehensive cardiac assessments.
