Describe three ways that diastolic function can be assessed using echocardiography.

1. Evaluate the thickness of the myocardium. A thickened myocardium suggests increased stiffness and decreased diastolic function.
2. Evaluate the size of the atria. Enlarged atria suggest abnormal diastolic function.
3. Obtain a mitral inflow velocity profile using Doppler ultrasound. A reversed E:A ratio of the mitral valve suggests diminished diastolic function.