fig2

Figure 2. Individual changes in echocardiographic parameters during handgrip exercise (n = 93). Exercise-induced changes in PISA, VC, EROA and RVol are shown with mean values (red). During handgrip exercise, we observed a significant increase in different echocardiographic parameters indicating dynamic MR. In case of non-reproducible results according to the PISA method (e.g., due to eccentric jets in 8 of 93 patients), VC width was used for assessment of MR severity. PISA: proximal iso-velocity surface area; EROA: effective orifice regurgitant area; MR: mitral regurgitation; RVol: regurgitation volume; VC: vena contracta