Volume overload

Ventricular volume overload is approximately equivalent to an excessively high preload.

[1] In accordance with the Frank–Starling law of the heart, the myocardium contracts more powerfully as the end-diastolic volume increases.

[citation needed] Various pathologies, listed below, can lead to volume overload.

Different mechanisms are involved depending on the cause, however the common theme is that of a high cardiac output with a low or normal afterload.

[citation needed] Left ventricular volume overload may produce inverted u waves on the electrocardiogram.

Representation of the cardiac response in stroke volume to left ventricular filling under normal conditions. There is an optimum end-diastolic volume at which maximum stroke volume and cardiac output is achieved. Beyond this, there is volume overload , and stroke volume is diminished.