Echocardiographic analysis with a strip recorder gives an accurate assessment of cardiac function, easily obtainable at the bedside of the critically ill. Ejection fraction and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) are the two most accurate measurements of cardiac function. The diameter of the minor axis of the left ventricle is measured in systole (Ds) and diastole (DD). Systolic volume is (Ds)3, disastolic volume is (DD)3, ejection fraction is (DD)3-(DS)3divided by (DD)3, Vcf is DD-DS divided by DD×LVET.