Abstract
Doppler interrogation of blood flow in the hepatic veins (HVs) is a part of any comprehensive echocardiographic examination. Data derived from the HV Doppler provide a useful tool for the assessment of right heart function. Beyond its dependence on the cardiac cycle, right heart hemodynamics, and compliance of the liver parenchyma, blood flow in the HVs is influenced by the respiratory cycle. Systematic analysis of the behavior of the HV Doppler during respiration allows one to recognize normal and abnormal flow-patterns and distinguish among various disease states that involve the right heart. In this manuscript we discuss the effect of respiration on the HV Doppler in individuals with normal right heart function.