The objectives of this thesis were to elucidate the pathogenesis of metabolic heart disease, evaluate the associated changes in myocardial structure and contractile function, and determine the long... Show moreThe objectives of this thesis were to elucidate the pathogenesis of metabolic heart disease, evaluate the associated changes in myocardial structure and contractile function, and determine the long-term prognostic implications of subclinical myocardial dysfunction on all-cause mortality. Show less
The presence of a decreased left ventricular (LV) function after myocardial infarction has demonstrated to be of considerable clinical importance. In this thesis, the role of 2D echocardiography to... Show moreThe presence of a decreased left ventricular (LV) function after myocardial infarction has demonstrated to be of considerable clinical importance. In this thesis, the role of 2D echocardiography to evaluate LV function in ischemic heart disease was investigated. In the first part of the thesis, recently introduced echocardiographic parameters to describe LV function were studied and their importance for prognosis after myocardial infarction was evaluated. In addition, in the second part of the thesis, the role for echocardiography in the decision making around advanced treatment options in heart failure such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and cardiac surgery was explored. Show less
