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Myocardial Contractility

Meaning

Myocardial contractility refers to the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle, the myocardium, to contract and generate force, independent of changes in preload or afterload. This essential physiological parameter determines the heart’s stroke volume and is a primary determinant of cardiac output and overall circulatory function. In hormonal health, thyroid hormones and catecholamines are potent modulators of this function, influencing the heart’s efficiency and capacity. Assessing contractility is crucial for evaluating cardiovascular health and the impact of endocrine disorders.