Abstract The analysis of diastolic function using conventional echocardiography (two-dimensional method, spectral Doppler and tissue Doppler) may not determine some cases of diastolic dysfunction or high left atrial pressure. The parameters that study myocardial strain (left atrial strain rate and longitudinal strain) may help diagnosis. This study describes the diastolic strain rate methods during isovolumetric relaxation time and at peak filling, apical twisting rate and maximal longitudinal left atrial strain, analyzing their applications and advantages.