GLS
Also written as: GLS — Global Longitudinal Strain
Global longitudinal strain, a sensitive measure of left ventricular systolic function using speckle tracking.
Full Definition
Global longitudinal strain represents the average peak longitudinal strain from all left ventricular segments, measured using speckle tracking echocardiography. GLS quantifies myocardial deformation during the cardiac cycle and is expressed as a negative percentage, with normal values typically more negative than -18%. This parameter is more sensitive than ejection fraction for detecting early myocardial dysfunction and is particularly valuable in monitoring cardiotoxicity, assessing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and evaluating subclinical disease. GLS requires high-quality imaging and appropriate frame rates for accurate measurement, and values are vendor-dependent.
Usage
Usage note: Express as negative percentage; values closer to zero indicate worse function (e.g., -12% is worse than -18%).
In Context
- "GLS was abnormal at -15%, indicating subclinical left ventricular dysfunction." — Cardio-oncology evaluation
- "Despite normal LVEF, the patient's GLS of -14% suggested early cardiomyopathy." — Advanced echocardiography report