Table 1

Physiological versus cardiological systole and diastole

Physiological systole
Cardiological systole

Isovolumic contraction
From M1 to A2, including:
Maximal ejection
     Major part of isovolumic contraction*

     Maximal ejection

     Reduced ejection
Physiological diastole
Cardiological diastole
Reduced ejection
A2 - M1 interval (filling phases included)
Isovolumic relaxation

Filling phases


* Note that M1 occurs with a definite albeit short delay after the start of the LV contraction. Modified from Opie LH. Mechanisms of cardiac contraction and relaxation. In: Braunwald E, Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, eds. Heart Disease. 7th ed. WB Saunders Company 2005, Chap.19:457–489, page 474.

Bombardini et al. Cardiovascular Ultrasound 2008 6:15   doi:10.1186/1476-7120-6-15