[Total and local functions of the left heart ventricle in patients who had myocardial infarction].

Radionuclide ventriculography using the technique of first label passage through cardiac cavities was performed in 60 male patients (mean age 46.8 years) who had suffered myocardial infarction (MI) 3-8 months prior to the investigation. Total and local left-ventricular functions were assessed on the basis of the ejection fraction. In MI survivors, cardiac contractility was reduced significantly as compared to that of clinically normal subjects. No significant differences of ejection fraction could be found in patients with various MI localization. A close relationship was established between the number of low-contractility areas and total ejection fraction magnitude. Post-infarction patients and subjects with abnormal Q wave on their electrocardiograms exhibited the greatest number of hypokinetic areas. Patients with low post-infarction scar localization had more normo-kinetic areas. The number of hyperkinetic areas was somewhat greater in patients with anterior MI, this difference, however insignificant, probably having compensatory value.