Left Ventricular Diastolic Area by Planimetry, Apical Four-Chamber View
This echocardiography measurement estimates the size of the left ventricle at the end of filling using the apical four-chamber view.
["This heart-imaging measurement helps assess the size and function of the left ventricle."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18101-6
- Short code
- LV Plane.dia Area A4C
- Synonyms
- LV Plane.dia Area A4C
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-d-a-c
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is an image-based measurement obtained during an echocardiogram. It estimates the area of the main chamber of the left ventricle at the end of diastole, when the heart has filled with blood, using the apical four-chamber view.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to assess left ventricular size and help evaluate conditions that affect the heart's structure or pumping function. It is interpreted together with other echocardiographic measurements, including the ejection fraction, chamber dimensions, wall motion, and valve findings.
How is the test performed?
A technician or clinician uses ultrasound to record moving images of your heart. The left ventricular chamber is measured in the apical four-chamber view, and the software traces its end-diastolic area. This is generally part of a complete echocardiogram rather than a separate blood test.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for this measurement alone. Follow the instructions provided for your echocardiogram, such as limiting caffeine or avoiding smoking beforehand if you were told to do so. You may be asked to lie on your side or in other positions while the images are recorded.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A larger-than-expected left ventricular area may be seen with chamber enlargement or dilation, which can occur with several forms of heart disease or impaired pumping function. A smaller area may reflect reduced chamber volume or different heart geometry. The result must be interpreted with the rest of the echocardiogram and the clinical situation because factors such as body size, heart shape, and hydration can also affect the measurement.
Short name
LV end-diastolic area (A4C)
Frequently asked questions
Is this a blood test?
What does end-diastolic mean?
Does one measurement diagnose heart failure?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy