Period of Isovolumic (Isometric) Contraction. Immediately after ventricular contraction begins, the ventricular pressure rises abruptly, a causing the A-V valves to close. Then an additional 0.02 to 0.03 second is required for the ventricle to build up sufficient pressure to push the semilunar (aoic and pulmonary) valves open against the pressures in the aoa and pulmonary aery. Therefore, during this period, contraction is occurring in the ventricles, but there is no emptying. This is called the period of isovolumic or isometric contraction, meaning that tension is increasing in the muscle but little or no shoening of the muscle fibers is occurring. Period of Ejection. When the left ventricular pressure rises slightly above 80 mm Hg (and the right ventricular pressure slightly above 8 mm Hg), the ventricular pressures push the semilunar valves open. Ref Harrison 20th edition pg 1423