aortic elastance
A measure of arterial stiffness representing the change in aortic pressure per unit change in stroke volume.
Full Definition
Aortic elastance quantifies the stiffness of the arterial system, calculated as the ratio of end-systolic pressure to stroke volume. It represents the arterial load faced by the left ventricle during ejection and is a key component of ventricular-arterial coupling analysis. Higher elastance values indicate stiffer arteries that require greater ventricular work to achieve the same stroke volume. During cardiac anesthesia, aortic elastance affects the choice of vasoactive medications and influences ventricular performance, particularly in elderly patients or those with hypertensive vascular disease. Understanding arterial elastance helps optimize hemodynamic management and predicts responses to afterload-modifying interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Express in mmHg/mL; distinguish from compliance (inverse relationship).
In Context
- "The patient's elevated aortic elastance required aggressive afterload reduction to optimize ventricular-arterial coupling." — Hemodynamic consultation
- "Age-related increases in aortic elastance contributed to the patient's elevated systolic blood pressure." — Preoperative assessment