0.66, p< 0.05). The normal group did not show a correlation between the acceleration of transmitral flow and mitral annular relaxation velocity (r=0.18, p < 0.22). Those with diastolic dysfunction also had a lower E/A ratio than the normal group (0.7 ± 0.2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.001), a higher time-velocity integral of the atrial component (11.7 ± 3.2 cm vs. 5.5 ± 2.1 cm, p < 0.0001) and a lower rate of acceleration of blood across the mitral valve (549.2 ± 151.9 cm/sec2 vs. 871 ± 128.1cm/sec2 ,p <.001). Conclusions In diastolic dysfunction where the influence of preload is minimal, recoil and the acceleration of early diastolic blood flow are reduced compared to normals. Also the rate of flow across the mitral valve was found to be strongly related to mitral annular tissue velocity. This relationship reveals the influence of recoil on flow in diastolic dysfunction. However in normal subjects the acceleration of early diastolic blood flow and recoil are not correlated. Recoil in normal provides the potential energy for rapid early diastolic filling and occurs during isovolumic relaxation before filling. Therefore rapid early diastolic filling under the influence of preload occurs after isovolumic relaxation and no relationship exists. This supports the existence of an early diastolic mechanism in normal.