The heart rate-related relationship is important for determining cardiac characteristics, particularly, in HFpEF. This protocol aims to assess heart rate-dependent cardiac function. Any experimental models, available modalities for assessing heart rate-related cardiac function, are limited to treadmill exercise testing.
The treadmill test, however, is influenced by variables such as body weight. To overcome these limitations, we have developed around atrial-pacing protocol to detect subtle, yet significant changes in the later performance that are linked to heart rate. Our protocol offers a variable tool for identifying cardiac dysfunction, manifested by heart rate changes.
It also presents a number approach to studying diastolic dysfunction in mirroring heart failure models, particularly in HFpEF.