Figure 1.

Pressure-volume (P-V) loops for RV and LV. Once RV pressure reaches the PA pressure, the pulmonary valve opens. Little time is spent in isovolumetric contraction, giving a triangular-shaped RV P-V loop, in contrast to the almost square loop of the LV (25). (Adopted from: Kevin LG, Barnard M. Right ventricular failure. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain 2007; 7: 89-94). Permission to reproduce granted under Oxford university press’s general terms.

RV = right ventricle; LV = left ventricle.