E/A ratio (E / A ratio)
The E/A ratio
- when flow across the MV is assessed with PW Doppler, two waves are characteristically seen
- represent passive filling of the ventricle (early [E] wave)
- active filling with atrial systole (atrial [A] wave)
- classically, the E-wave velocity is slightly greater than that of the A wave
- however, in conditions that limit the compliance of the LV, two abnormalities are possible:
- reversal
- the A wave is greater than the E wave
- indicates slow filling caused by older age, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), or diastolic dysfunction
- exaggeration of normal
- a tall, thin E wave with a small or absent A wave
- indicates restrictive cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis, or infiltrative cardiac disease (eg, amyloidosis)
- reversal
- however, in conditions that limit the compliance of the LV, two abnormalities are possible:
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