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Left ventricular performance was evaluated in 133 patients with myocardial disease: 49 with hypertrophic obstructive, 30 with hypertrophic nonobstructive, and 54 with hypokinetic cardiomyopathies. Left ventricular volumes were evaluated by single plane cineangiography and left ventricular pressures by a Miller tip manometer catheter. Compliance was measured by the coefficient K of diastolic pressure volume curve p = b • eK • V, DV/DP, and DV/DP • V according to Gaasch et al. Left ventricular performance was evaluated by mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening (VCF c/s) and by Vmax (using instantaneous pressure and k = 28), or VPm, using an on-line computer. The results were correlated with clinical parameters, and prognosis according to the N.Y.H.A. During isometric exercise, contractility reserve was measured, taking into account changes of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and VPm.