Method and apparatus for assessing and treating myocardial wall stress

摘要

An apparatus and method for assessing myocardial wall stress is disclosed. The method may be used in conjunction with electro-stimulatory therapy for preventing or reversing ventricular remodeling. In such therapy, one or more stimulatory pulses are delivered to the heart such that a stressed region of the myocardium is pre-excited relative to other regions, thereby subjecting the stressed region to a lessened preload and afterload during systole. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling.