A method for determining myocardial inotropic state is described. The method involves receiving a value of stretch for different myocardial segments during passive filling, e.g. atrial contraction, and receiving associated values representative of total systolic strain. The method also involves using a relationship between the stretch of different myocardial segments during atrial contraction and the associated values representative for total systolic strain as an index of the myocardial inotropic state. A corresponding system and computer program product also is described.
