Left ventricular geometric patterns in the Jackson cohort of the Atherosclerotic Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study: clinical correlates and influences on systolic and diastolic dysfunction

Serum uric acid is related to left ventricular geometry and function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION

Serum uric acid (SUA) is an oxidative stress-related biomarker of cardiovascular risk. We sought to discover whether or not SUA was related to left ventricular geometry (LVG) and function among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Patients with OSA and healthy controls were assessed for clinical features, echocardiography, polysomnography, and blood biochemical data. Patients with OSA were divided into four groups: normal geometry (NG), concentric remodeling (CR), eccentric hypertrophy (EH), and concentric hypertrophy (CH). Correlations of SUA with left ventricular (LV) structure and function were examined through Pearson correlation analysis. The risk variables of LVG were investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, patients with OSA had greater SUA levels. The eccentric hypertrophy (EH) and concentric hypertrophy (CH) groups showed substantially greater SUA levels than the normal geometry (NG) and concentric remodeling (CR) groups (p < 0.05). SUA correlated positively with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) but negatively with the E/A ratio, according to the Pearson correlation analysis. SUA independently affected EH (OR = 1.021, 95%CI = 1.015-1.028, p < 0.001) and CH (OR = 1.034, 95%CI = 1.025-1.043, p < 0.001) in patients with OSA by the multivariate logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with OSA had elevated levels of SUA, which were seen to be closely linked with abnormal LVG and function. The findings suggest that SUA may raise the risk of LV structural and functional impairment in patients with OSA.

[Left ventricular geometry study in black African hypertensives]

AIM

To determine the prevalence and determinants of different types of echocardiographic left ventricular remodeling in African black hypertensive patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A transversal descriptive study was conducted from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, in the external explorations department of the Abidjan Heart Institute-Côte d'Ivoire. Transthoracic cardiac echo-graphs were performed in 524 (251 women) hypertensive subjects according to the American Society of Echocardiography convention.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine percent of hypertensive patients had cardiac remodeling (in women and men, respectively, concentric remodeling 14.7 % and 15.7 %; concentric hypertrophy 6 % and 10.3 %; eccentric hypertrophy 7.6 % and 3.7 %). Only systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly correlated with left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a significant proportion of hypertensives with abnormal left ventricular geometry and confirmed the relationship between blood pressure level and left ventricular geometry change.

Prevalence and Characterisation of Severe Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Diagnosed by Echocardiography in Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension (AHT) is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most important prognostic markers in hypertension and a predictor for mortality. The goals of this study were to examine the prevalence of LVH detected by echocardiography in patients with AHT and to describe patients with severe LVH.

METHODS

This is a retrospective monocentric study including patients treated at a tertiary hypertension clinic. Echocardiographic data were taken from written reports from our hospital's echocardiography laboratories. We compared patients with severe LVH (septum thickness ≥ 15 mm) with patients with normal left ventricular (LV) geometry and with patients with concentric or eccentric hypertrophy regarding age, gender, comorbidities, medication, duration of hypertension, blood pressure (BP) and ECG changes at time of echocardiography.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (7.3%) out of four hundred patients showed severe LVH and one hundred and eighty-nine (47.3%) a normal geometry. In comparison to patients with normal geometry, patients with severe LVH were more likely to be male, older, and with more uncontrolled BP, especially regarding asleep values, multi-drug antihypertensive treatment and comorbidities. In comparison to patients with concentric or eccentric hypertrophy, patients with severe LVH had a significantly higher diastolic BP in the 24 h mean, awake and asleep values. A positive Sokolow-Lyon index did not predict LVH. However, patients with severe LVH were more likely to have T-wave-inversions V4-V6 in at least one lead.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients with AHT have an abnormal geometry in our study (52.5%) and 7.3% a severe LVH. Patients with severe LVH have more often an uncontrolled AHT than patients with a normal LV geometry, despite more antihypertensive treatment. The Sokolow-Lyon index seems to be insufficient to detect LVH.

Expression of soluble ST2 in patients with essential hypertension and its relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy

AIMS

Identification and intervention of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in essential hypertension (EH) are important for the prevention of adverse cardiovascular events. However, effective methods for diagnosing LVH are still lacking. This study aimed to explore the relationship between soluble ST2 (sST2) and LVH in EH patients to identify a potential specific biomarker for hypertensive LVH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study included 97 EH patients. Based on the criteria for LVH, participants were divided into the LVH group (n = 52) and the non-LVH group (n = 45). The level of serum sST2 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to investigate the potential of sST2 as a biomarker of LVH in EH patients. Compared with the non-LVH group, the sST2 level was elevated in EH patients with LVH (P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the sST2 level was positively correlated with the left ventricular mass index in EH patients (r = 0.454, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) value of LVH was 2.990, suggesting that sST2 is an independent risk factor for LVH in EH patients [OR = 2.990, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.650-5.419; P < 0.001]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.767 (95% CI, 0.669-0.866; P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 0.808 and specificity of 0.689, indicating the possibility of considering sST2 as a biomarker for diagnosing LVH.

CONCLUSIONS

Up-regulation of sST2 is strongly related to LVH in EH patients, is an independent risk factor for hypertensive LVH, and can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of LVH.

Potential role of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the screening of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in elderly individuals: Baseline echocardiographic findings from the LOOP study

Background

Elderly individuals occupy an increasing part of the general population. Conventional and speckle-tracking transthoracic echocardiography may help guide risk stratification in these individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the screening of cardiac abnormalities in the elderly population.

Methods

Two cohorts of elderly individuals (sample size: 1441 and 944) were analyzed, who were part of a randomized controlled clinical trial (LOOP study) and of an observational study (Copenhagen City Heart Study), recruiting participants from the general population >70 years of age with cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or prior stroke) and sinus rhythm. Participants underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examination, including myocardial speckle tracking. Cardiac abnormalities were defined according to the ASE/EACVI guidelines.

Results

Structural cardiac abnormalities such as left ventricular (LV) remodeling, mitral annular calcification (MAC), and aortic valve sclerosis (with or without stenosis) were highly prevalent in the LOOP study (40%, 39%, and 27%, respectively). Moreover, a high prevalence of functional cardiac alterations such as LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), abnormal LV longitudinal systolic strain (GLS), and abnormal left atrial (LA) reservoir strain was present in the LOOP study (27%, 18%, and 9%, respectively). Likewise, the rate of LVDD, abnormal GLS, and abnormal LA reservoir strain was comparable in the validation sample from the Copenhagen City Heart Study. In line with these findings, subjects with LV remodeling, MAC, and aortic valve changes had a higher prevalence of LVDD, abnormal GLS, and abnormal LA reservoir strain than those without structural cardiac alterations.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the potential clinical utility of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography in the screening of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in the elderly population. Further studies are warranted to determine the prognostic relevance of these findings.

Left Ventricular Remodeling and Myocardial Work: Results From the Population-Based STAAB Cohort Study

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) dilatation and LV hypertrophy are acknowledged precursors of myocardial dysfunction and ultimately of heart failure, but the implications of abnormal LV geometry on myocardial function are not well-understood. Non-invasive LV myocardial work (MyW) assessment based on echocardiography-derived pressure-strain loops offers the opportunity to study detailed myocardial function in larger cohorts. We aimed to assess the relationship of LV geometry with MyW indices in general population free from heart failure.

Methods and Results: We report cross-sectional baseline data from the Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) cohort study investigating a representative sample of the general population of Würzburg, Germany, aged 30–79 years. MyW analysis was performed in 1,926 individuals who were in sinus rhythm and free from valvular disease (49.3% female, 54 ± 12 years). In multivariable regression, higher LV volume was associated with higher global wasted work (GWW) (+0.5 mmHg% per mL/m², p < 0.001) and lower global work efficiency (GWE) (−0.02% per mL/m², p < 0.01), while higher LV mass was associated with higher GWW (+0.45 mmHg% per g/m², p < 0.001) and global constructive work (GCW) (+2.05 mmHg% per g/m², p < 0.01) and lower GWE (−0.015% per g/m², p < 0.001). This was dominated by the blood pressure level and also observed in participants with normal LV geometry and concomitant hypertension.

Conclusion: Abnormal LV geometric profiles were associated with a higher amount of wasted work, which translated into reduced work efficiency. The pattern of a disproportionate increase in GWW with higher LV mass might be an early sign of hypertensive heart disease.

Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle inhibits IL-6 and MAPK-mediated cardiac hypertrophy during STZ-induced diabetes in rats

Escherichia coli Nissle (EcN), a probiotic bacterium protects against several disorders. Multiple reports have studied the pathways involved in cardiac hypertrophy. However, the effects of probiotic EcN against diabetes-induced cardiac hypertrophy remain to be understood. We administered five weeks old Wistar male (271±19.4 g body weight) streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with 10⁹ cfu of EcN via oral gavage every day for 24 days followed by subjecting the rats to echocardiography to analyse the cardiac parameters. Overexpressed interleukin (IL)-6 induced the MEK5/ERK5, JAK2/STAT3, and MAPK signalling cascades in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Further, the upregulation of calcineurin, NFATc3, and p-GATA4 led to the elevation of hypertrophy markers, such as atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides. In contrast, diabetic rats supplemented with probiotic EcN exhibited significant downregulated IL-6. Moreover, the MEK5/ERK5 and JAK2/STAT3 cascades involved during eccentric hypertrophy and MAPK signalling, including phosphorylated MEK, ERK, JNK, and p-38, were significantly attenuated in diabetic rats after supplementation of EcN. Western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed the significant downregulation of NFATc3 and downstream mediators, thereby resulting in the impairment of cardiac hypertrophy. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that supplementing probiotic EcN has the potential to show cardioprotective effects by inhibiting diabetes-induced cardiomyopathies.

Prognostic implications of left ventricular mass-geometry in patients with no or nonobstructive coronary artery disease

Background

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is widely used as a first-line noninvasive modality that frequently exhibits no or nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in clinical practice, along with abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometry on echocardiography. However, the combined prognostic value of these findings has not been well elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic implications of abnormal LV geometry in individuals with no or nonobstructive CAD.

Methods

A total of 5806 subjects with no CAD or nonobstructive CAD (luminal narrowing < 50%) on CCTA were included in the study. The major exclusion criteria were structural heart disease and a history of myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization. Abnormal LV geometry on echocardiography was defined as LV mass index > 95 g/m² in women and > 115 g/m² in men, and/or relative wall thickness > 0.42. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 5803 subjects without significant obstructive CAD (age, 56.6 ± 8.87 years; men, 3884 [66.9%]). Of them, 4045 (69.7%) subjects had normal LV geometry and 1758 (30.3%) had abnormal LV geometry respectively. During a mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 1.48 years, 84 (1.44%) subjects died in the study population. Of these, 56 subjects were from the normal LV geometry group (1.24%) and 28 were from the abnormal LV geometry group (2.32%). Subjects with abnormal LV geometry had significantly worse survival rates (log-rank, p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, abnormal LV geometry was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.58; p = 0.034). Moreover, abnormal LV geometry was significantly worse in survival when classified as those with no CAD (log-rank, p = 0.024) and nonobstructive CAD (Log-rank, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Abnormal LV geometry portends a worse prognosis in subjects with no or nonobstructive CAD. These findings suggest that LV geometry assessment can help improve the stratification of individuals with these CCTA findings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02005-6.

Prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal left ventricular geometrical patterns in hypertensive subjects administered irbesartan

Background

Distinct populations differ in LVH prevalence and impaired LV geometry. Currently, the prevalence of and risk factors for LV geometric patterns in Chinese hypertensives administered irbesartan have not been specifically addressed in large studies.

Methods

Totally 10,883 patients (6623 men and 4260 women) completed the survey, including 1181 hypertensives administered irbesartan (488 males and 693 females) that were finally enrolled. Based on LVMI and RWT derived from comprehensive echocardiography, the LV geometric patterns of irbesartan‐treated hypertensive individuals were classified into four types, including the normal, concentric remodeling, and concentric and eccentric hypertrophy groups. Logistic regression analysis was applied in males and females, respectively, for determining odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for various potential risk factors for abnormal LV geometrical patterns in irbesartan‐treated hypertensives.

Results

The clinical and echocardiographic data differed significantly between males and females. The prevalence rates of concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy were 36.3%, 15.4%, and 6.1% in males, respectively, and 23.5%, 20.3%, and 23.8% in females, accordingly. Gender, daily dose of irbesartan, BMI, SBP, WtHR, and neck‐circumference were significantly associated with LV geometric patterns. After adjustment for confounding factors, risk factors for LVH and impaired LV geometry included SBP, WtHR in males, and MAU‐Cr and WtHR in females.

Conclusions

LVH and impaired LV geometric patterns are more prevalent in females (67.7%) compared with that in males (57.8%) among hypertensives upon irbesartan administration. For such population, risk factors beyond elevated blood pressure may be involved in the progression of LVH and impaired LV geometric patterns in both genders.

Impact of Long-Term Burden of Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure From Childhood on Adult Left Ventricular Structure and Function

Background

Data are limited regarding the relationship between the life‐course burden of risk factors and adult cardiac function. This study sought to examine the impact of long‐term burden of body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) levels on changes in adult left ventricular (LV) structure and function in a community‐based cohort.

Methods and Results

The longitudinal study cohort consisted of 1108 adult patients (726 White; 41.9% men; mean age, 48.2 years in the last survey) who had been examined 4 to 16 times for BMI and BP and echocardiographic LV structure and function in adulthood, with a mean follow‐up period of 38.8 years. The area under the curve was used as a measure of long‐term burden of BMI and BP. Adult LV mass index was significantly associated with childhood and adulthood BMI and systolic BP (SBP), and their area under the curve values (β=0.07–0.37; P<0.05 for all). Adult LV ejection fraction was negatively associated with childhood BMI (β=−0.08), adult BMI (β=−0.07) and BMI area under the curve (β=−0.07) (P<0.05 for all); the effects of SBP measures were not significant. Adult E/A ratio was negatively associated with adulthood SBP (β=−0.13; P<0.01) and total area under the curve of SBP (β=−0.13; P<0.01). E/e′ ratio was positively associated with BMI and SBP measures. The effects of diastolic BP measures were substantially similar to those of SBP measures. Participants with LV hypertrophy, eccentric hypertrophy, and concentric hypertrophy had significantly lower LV ejection fraction and higher E/e′ ratio.

Conclusions

These observations provide strong evidence that early‐life adiposity and BP levels and their life‐course cumulative burdens are associated with subclinical changes in adult LV structure and function in the general population.

Determining Early Remodeling Patterns in Diabetes and Hypertension Using Cardiac Computed Tomography: The Feasibility of Assessing Early LV Geometric Changes

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting data on early left ventricle (LV) remodeling in diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). This study examines the feasibility of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to detect early LV geometric changes in patients with DM and HTN.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 5,992) who underwent prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered (mid-diastolic) CCTA were screened. Patients with known structural heart disease or known LV dysfunction were excluded. Left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mid-diastolic volume (LVMDV), and LV concentricity (LVM/LVMDV) were measured and indexed to body surface area.

RESULTS

A total of 4,283 patients were analyzed (mean age 57 ± 10.69 years, female 46.7%). DM, HTN, and HTN + DM were present in 4.1%, 35.8% and 10.6% of patients, respectively. Compared to normal patients, HTN and HTN + DM patients had increased LVM indexed to body surface area (LVMi) (56.87 ± 17.24, 59.26 ± 13.62, and 58.56 ± 13.09, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no difference in LVMi between normal subjects and patients with DM (56.39 ± 11.50, P = 0.617).Concentricity indices were higher in patient with HTN (1.0456 ± 0.417; P < 0.001), DM (1.109 ± 0.638; P = 0.004), and HTN + DM (1.083 ± 0.311, P < 0.001) than normal individuals (0.9671 ± 0.361). There was no overlap of the 95% confidence intervals in the composite of concentricity indices and LVMi between the different groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CCTA measures of LVM and concentricity index may discriminate patients with HTN and DM before overt structural heart disease.

Association of Cardiac Injury and Malignant Left Ventricular Hypertrophy With Risk of Heart Failure in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

Importance

African Americans have a higher burden of heart failure (HF) risk factors and clinical HF than other racial/ethnic groups. However, the factors underlying the transition from at-risk to clinical HF in African Americans are not well understood.

Objective

To evaluate the contributions of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and subclinical myocardial injury as determined by abnormal high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-I (hs-cTnI) measurements toward HF risk among African Americans.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective, community-based cohort study was conducted between July 2016 and September 2018 and included African American participants from Jackson, Mississippi enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study without prevalent HF who had hs-cTnI measurements and an echocardiographic examination at baseline. Participants were stratified into categories based on the presence or absence of LVH and subclinical myocardial injury (category 1: hs-cTnI <4 ng/L in women and <6 ng/L in men; category 2: 4-10 ng/L in women and 6-12 ng/L in men; category 3: >10 ng/L in women and >12 ng/L in men).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Adjusted associations between LVH, subclinical myocardial injury, and the risk of incident HF hospitalization were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The study included 3987 participants (2552 women [64%]; 240 (6.0%) with LVH; 1003 (25.1%) with myocardial injury) with 285 incident HF events over a median follow-up of 9.8 years (interquartile range, 8.9-10.6 years). In adjusted analyses, higher LV mass and subclinical myocardial injury were independently associated with the risk of HF with a significant interaction between the 2 (Pint < 0.001). The highest risk of HF was noted among individuals with both LVH and myocardial injury (absolute incidence, 35%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR; vs no LVH and no myocardial injury], 5.35; 95% CI, 3.66-7.83). A significant interaction by sex was also observed. Men with LVH and subclinical myocardial injury had an almost 15-fold higher risk of HF (aHR, 14.62; 95% CI, 7.61-28.10) vs those with neither LVH nor injuries. By contrast, women with this phenotype had a nearly 4-fold higher risk of HF (aHR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.40-6.85).

Conclusions and Relevance

The combination of LVH and subclinical myocardial injury identifies a malignant, preclinical HF phenotype in African Americans with a very high risk of HF, particularly among men. This finding could have implications for future screening strategies that are designed to prevent HF in the population.

The emerging applications of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in selected patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) and high surgical risk. The planning and follow-up of TAVI requires an array of imaging techniques, each has advantages and limitations. Echocardiography and multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) have established applications in patient selection and procedure guidance, but are limited in some patients. TAVI applications of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) are emerging. CMRI can provide the structural and functional imaging details required for TAVI procedure in away comparable or superior to that obtained by echocardiography and MDCT combined. In this review, we look at the continuously evolving role of CMRI as a complimentary or an alternative to more established imaging techniques and address the advantages and disadvantages of CMRI in this setting. We discuss the role of CMRI in selecting anatomically suitable patients for the TAVI procedure and in the post-TAVI follow-up with particular emphasis on its applications for assessing AS severity and haemodynamic impact, vascular imaging for TAVI access route, quantification of paravalvular leaks and LV remodelling in the post TAVI setting as well as providing imaging biomarkers tool for AS risk-stratification.

On the association between body fat and left ventricular mass

OBJECTIVES

As intervention studies have shown a reduction in body weight to be paralleled with a reduction in left ventricular mass (LVM), we quantified a hypothesized causal relationship between fat mass and LVM, and how much of these effects that was mediated by blood pressure (BP), diabetes and adipokines. Also visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) were explored in the same fashion.

METHODS

In the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors study (n = 1016, 50% women, all aged 70 years), LVM was measured by echocardiography (indexed for lean mass, LVMI), fat and lean mass by dual-energy X-ray. VAT and SAT were measured by abdominal MRI (in n = 275).

RESULTS

In a structural equation model adjusting for sex, the total effect of fat mass on LVMI was large (standardized coefficient 0.280, P = 3.2 × 10, 95% confidence interval 0.210-0.349). Out of the total effect of fat mass on LVMI, 29.0% was mediated by BP and glucose (P = 2.4 × 10). The BP pathway was most important, mediating 24.4% of the total effect of fat mass on LVMI (P = 4.6 × 10), while the glucose pathway accounted for 4.6% (P = 0.033). The association of VAT with LVMI (0.202, P = 2.4 × 10) was slightly weaker than that of SAT with LVMI (0.283, P = 1.0 × 10). Of several measured adipokines, leptin was a significant mediator of the effect of fat mass on LVMI (P = 3.0 × 10).

CONCLUSION

One-third of the hypothesized association between body fat and LVMI was mediated by BP and glucose in this population-based cohort. Leptin was also an important mediator. Visceral adipose tissue was not more closely related to LVMI than subcutaneous abdominal fat.

The two-pore domain potassium channel TREK-1 mediates cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction

Cardiac two-pore domain potassium channels (K2P) exist in organisms from Drosophila to humans; however, their role in cardiac function is not known. We identified a K2P gene, CG8713 (sandman), in a Drosophila genetic screen and show that sandman is critical to cardiac function. Mice lacking an ortholog of sandman, TWIK-related potassium channel (TREK-1, also known Kcnk2), exhibit exaggerated pressure overload-induced concentric hypertrophy and alterations in fetal gene expression, yet retain preserved systolic and diastolic cardiac function. While cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of TREK-1 in response to in vivo pressure overload resulted in cardiac dysfunction, TREK-1 deletion in fibroblasts prevented deterioration in cardiac function. The absence of pressure overload-induced dysfunction in TREK-1-KO mice was associated with diminished cardiac fibrosis and reduced activation of JNK in cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. These findings indicate a central role for cardiac fibroblast TREK-1 in the pathogenesis of pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction and serve as a conceptual basis for its inhibition as a potential therapy.

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Black Africans

INTRODUCTION

African-Americans present higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) when compared with white populations. However, there is a lack of information about the prevalence and determinants of LVH in black individuals living in Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with a non-probabilistic sample comprised of 609 University workers from Angola/Africa, describing the prevalence of LVH and the determinants of left ventricular mass. Echocardiographic measurements were performed and left ventricular mass was indexed to body surface area. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, along with anthropometric and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Chamber diameter and wall thickness were higher in men compared to women. Additionally, LVM was higher in men (114.2 ± 36 vs 98.4 ± 31.9, P < 0.001), and the overall prevalence of LVH in black Angolans was 41.1%, which tended to be higher in women (44.5 vs 37.4%, P = 0.096). In men, systolic blood pressure and BMI were independently associated with LVM, while age, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference were associated with LVM in women.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, blood pressure levels were the main determinants of LVH in black Africans, although different anthropometric variables showed mild influence in LVM. Our data suggests that LVH prevalence and determinants in black Africans are similar to that reported for African-Americans.

Left ventricular mass, geometry and function in diabetic patients affected by coronary artery disease

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is quite common among diabetic patients, our study goal is to detect the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) adverse changes in geometry, mass and diastolic function on diabetic, but not hypertensive patients, with coronary artery disease(CAD) and LV ejection fraction(LVEF)>45%, actually unknown, because of current guidelines that do not include echocardiographic assessment for follow up of diabetic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

665 consecutive diabetic patients (443 females, mean age 66±9years), performed a complete echocardiographic assessment according to current ASE echo-guidelines: diastolic dysfunction (DD), eccentric hypertrophy (EH), concentric hypertrophy (CH) and concentric remodeling (CR) of LV were reported. CAD was assessed only by reports of bypass surgery, angioplasty or patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

218 patients (32.8%) presented LV changes: LVDD 49 (7.4%), LVEH 68 (10.2%), LVDD and EH 46 (6.9%), LVDD and CH 36 (5.4%), LVDD and CR 19 (2.9%). 447 (67.2%) had no LV changes. 81 (12.1%) patients with CAD, presented: LVDD 17 (21%), LVEH 32 (39.5%), LVDD and EH 9 (11.1%), LVDD and CH 7 (8.6%), LVDD and CR 8 (9.9%), 8 (9.9%) had no LV adverse changes. There were among CAD patients, a significantly higher prevalence of LVDD (p<0.02), LV eccentric hypertrophy (EH) (p<0.05), DD and LVEH (p<0.04), DD and LV concentric hypertrophy(CH) (p<0.03) and DD and LV concentric remodeling (p<0.02), when compared with those patients without CAD.

CONCLUSION

CAD is related to all different patterns of LV adverse changes in mass, geometry and diastolic function, with a significantly higher prevalence in our population of diabetic patients with normal systolic function. These changes however remain unrecognized until they undergo to a conventional echocardiographic assessment. We support this tool need to be included into future guidelines concerning follow-up of diabetic patients.

Impact of hypertension with or without diabetes on left ventricular remodeling in rural Chinese population: a cross-sectional study

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hypertension with or without diabetes on left ventricular (LV) remodeling in rural Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 10,270 participants were classified into control group, hypertension without diabetes (HT) group, and hypertension with diabetes (HT + DM) group. We compared clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters, and used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the associations of interest.

Results

HT + DM group had higher interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), posterior wall thickness (PWTd), left ventricular mass (LVM), LVM index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), left atrial diameter (LAD), A wave and lower E wave than HT group (all P < 0.05). The prevalence rates of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and abnormal geometry were statistically different among three groups (P < 0.001) and eccentric hypertrophy was the highest proportion of geometry abnormality. Logistic regression analysis suggested that subjects in HT and HT + DM groups had odds ratio (OR) values of 2.81, 4.41, 2.24 and 3.94, 7.20, 2.38 for LVH, concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy in the total population, respectively, compared to control group. When compared with HT group, those in HT + DM group had approximately 1.40-, 1.61- and 1.38-, 1.71-fold increased risk for LVH and concentric hypertrophy in the total and female population separately, but no association of HT + DM with LVH and abnormal geometrical patterns was found in men.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that, to varying degrees, hypertension was associated with LV remodeling in rural Chinese population, and this risk association was obviously increased for LVH and concentric hypertrophy when accompanied by diabetes, especially for women.

Diastolic Dysfunction and Hypertension

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is characterized by alterations in LV diastolic filling, and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and heart failure. Hypertension is the most important risk factor for LVDD in the community and promotes LVDD through several mechanisms, including hemodynamic overload and myocardial ischemia. Associated factors such as age, ethnicity, dietary sodium, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease also contribute to LVDD in hypertensive individuals. Blood pressure lowering using antihypertensive medications can improve LVDD; however, it remains unclear whether this improvement in LV diastolic function can improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Hypertension and alterations in left ventricular structure and geometry in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study

African Americans (AAs) have an increased risk for hypertension-related cardiovascular outcomes compared with whites, which may be related to abnormal left ventricular (LV) structure. We examined the association of prevalent hypertension with concentric remodeling (CR; normal LV mass index [LVMI] and increased relative wall thickness [RWT]), eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and normal RWT), and concentric hypertrophy (CH; increased LVMI and increased RWT) within the Jackson Heart Study. Among 4721 participants (mean ± SD, age 55.7 ± 12.7 years), 2841 (60.2%) had prevalent hypertension, defined as mean clinic blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use. Prevalent hypertension was associated with a statistically significantly increased odds for having CR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42-2.24), eccentric hypertrophy (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.15-2.44), and CH (OR = 3.86, 95% CI = 2.28-6.54) after multivariable adjustment. In conclusion, in a population-based sample of AAs, hypertension was associated with increased odds for having abnormal LV structure, particularly CH.

The Relationship between Left Ventricular Mass Index and Insulin Sensitivity, Postprandial Glycaemia, and Fasting Serum Triglyceride and Adiponectin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The relationship between left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and insulin sensitivity, postprandial glycaemia, fasting serum triglyceride and adiponectin was investigated in 70 patients with type 2 diabetes. Serum fasting insulin, C-peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), postprandial glycaemia, lipids and fasting serum adiponectin levels were measured. Ventricular hypertrophy was assessed at rest by electrocardiography and echocardiography. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR). LVMI was assessed using the Devereux formula. Study patients had lower than normal HOMA-IR, and higher than normal serum fasting insulin levels and LVMI, and tended to have reduced insulin sensitivity. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation between fasting serum adiponectin and LVMI, fasting serum insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, serum postprandial glucose and hs-CRP. There were no statistically significant correlations between LVMI and serum hs-CRP or HOMA-IR. The results indicate the importance of fasting serum adiponectin in the development of cardiovascular complications, such as increased LVMI.

Markers of kidney disease and risk of subclinical and clinical heart failure in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study

BACKGROUND

African Americans and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for clinical heart failure (HF). In this study, we aimed to determine the association of markers of kidney disease with subclinical HF (by echocardiogram) and risk of clinical HF among a large, well-characterized community-based cohort of African American patients. We also examined whether the association of markers of kidney disease with HF was attenuated with adjustment for echocardiographic measures.

METHODS

We studied participants in the Jackson Heart Study, a large community-based cohort of African Americans. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at baseline. We tested the association of eGFR and urine ACR with left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and physician-adjudicated incident HF.

RESULTS

Among the 3332 participants in the study, 166 (5%) had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and 405 (12%) had urine ACR ≥30 mg/g. In models adjusted for demographics, comorbidity and the alternative measure of kidney disease, lower eGFR and higher urine ACR were associated with higher LVM {β-coefficient 1.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-2.31] per 10 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease in eGFR and 2.87 (95% CI 1.85-3.88) per doubling of urine ACR}. There was no association of eGFR and urine ACR with LVEF [β-coefficient -0.12 (95% CI -0.28-0.04) and -0.11 (95% CI -0.35-0.12), respectively]. There was no association of eGFR with the risk of incident HF [HR 1.02 (95% CI 0.91-1.14) per 10 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease], while there was a significant association of urine ACR [HR 2.22 (95% CI 1.29-3.84) per doubling of urine ACR]. This association was only modestly attenuated with adjustment for LVM [HR 1.95 (95% CI 1.09-3.49)].

CONCLUSIONS

Among a community-based cohort of African Americans, lower eGFR and higher ACR were associated with higher LVM. Furthermore, higher urine ACR was associated with incident HF, which was not entirely explained by the presence of left ventricular disease.

Geometrical and functional changes of left heart in adults with prehypertension and hypertension: a cross-sectional study from China

Background

Studies regarding the association between prehypertension and the structual changes of left heart are scanty. However, which type of the geometrical change of left heart is predominated one in prehypertension and hypertension is controversial. It is therefore important to investigate geometrical and functional changes of left heart in adults with prehypertension and hypertension because of their prognostic significance.

Methods

The study was based on a cross-sectional design, a total of 10547 participants were classified into normotension group, prehypertension group and hypertension group. We analyzed clinical characteristics, echocardiographic parameters and distribution of left ventricular (LV) geometrical patterns in different groups.

Results

Participants with prehypertension had higher values of most of echocardiographic parameters than those with normotension. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) was statistically different among three groups (P <0.001), and the rates of LVH in the three groups were 5.9, 8.6, 28.4 % by indexation to height^2.7 and 4.9, 5.3, 19.3 % by indexation to BSA, respectively. The prevalence rates of eccentric hypertrophy, concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy were 7.3 %, 5.3 % and 1.4 % in prehypertension group, and 17.8 %, 8.8 % and 10.6 % in hypertension group. Logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean artery pressure (MAP) were all independent risk factors for left cardiac structural changes, and pulse pressure (PP) was independent risk factor for concentric and eccentric hypertrophy. Among four indices, DBP levels with OR values of 1.192, 1.759 and 1.278 were the strongest indicator for concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy, respectively (P <0.001).

Conclusions

There exists LV geometrical change in adults with prehypertension and hypertension in rural Chinese population, and the eccentric hypertrophy was the highest proportion of geometric alterations. SBP, DBP, MAP and PP were all positively associated with left cardiac structural changes, and the association of DBP was the strongest.

Cardiovascular Health Status and Incidence of Heart Failure in the Framingham Offspring Study

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association Cardiovascular Health (CVH) score is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, but its relations to cardiac remodeling traits and heart failure (HF) incidence have not been examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 14-point score was constructed for each participant based on the presence of poor, intermediate, or ideal status on each of the 7 CVH metrics (ideal score=14). We related the CVH score to echocardiographic traits cross-sectionally and to HF incidence prospectively in the Framingham Offspring Study. In age- and sex-adjusted models, a higher CVH score was associated with lower left ventricular (LV) mass, LV wall thickness, LV diastolic dimension, and left atrial dimension (P<0.01 for all; n=2392; mean age, 58 years; 56% women), and with a 12% to 15% lower odds of prevalent LV concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy, respectively (P<0.0001 for both). On follow-up (mean, 12.3 years), 188 incident HF events were observed in 3201 participants (mean age, 59 years; 53% women). In age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, the CVH score was inversely associated with HF incidence (hazard ratio per 1-point higher CVH score, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.83). This association was partially attenuated upon adjustment for LV mass and interim myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.93), and it was consistent for HF with preserved and reduced ejection fractions.

CONCLUSIONS

In our community-based sample, comprised predominantly of middle-aged white individuals of European descent, better CVH was associated with lower HF incidence, in part due to a lower prevalence of adverse cardiac remodeling.

Correlation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Left Ventricular Geometry in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation of the left ventricular diastolic function and the left ventricular geometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) by echocardiography.

METHODS

The 181 patients diagnosed with OSAS were divided into the normal geometry group (NG), the concentric remodelling group (CR), the eccentric hypertrophy group (EH) and the concentric hypertrophy group (CH). Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed toward the correlation of the left ventricular diastolic function and the left ventricular geometry.

RESULTS

The E peak in the EH and CH group was significantly reduced, with significant difference; the E/A, Em, Am and Em/Am was reduced in the order of the CR, EH and CH groups, while E/Em was increased, and the difference was significant. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the Em/Am showed significant negative correlations with the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) [r = -0.419] and relative wall thickness (RWT) [r = -0.289], while the E/Em was significantly positively correlated with the LVMI (r = 0.638) and RWT [r = 0.328] (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that LVMI and RWT had influence on the Em/Am and E/Em (r2 = 0.402, r2 = 0.107, p < 0.001). The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was the worst in the CH group.

CONCLUSIONS

There was correlation between the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and the changes in cardiac geometry.

Cardiometabolic phenotype in children with obesity

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the anthropometric and metabolic correlates of different patterns of left ventricular (LV) geometry in a cohort of outpatient children with high prevalence of obesity.

STUDY DESIGN

Anthropometric measures, lipid profile, blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and echocardiographic variables were evaluated in 281 white children (6-16 years), of whom 105 were obese and 105 were morbidly obese. Patterns of LV geometry were defined as follows: normal geometry, eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH), concentric LV remodeling, and concentric LVH.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-eight children exhibited normal LV geometry, 53 eccentric LVH, 36 concentric LV remodeling, and 44 concentric LVH. The 4 groups differed in body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (Tg/HDL-C), and BP (P < .05-.0001). A statistically significant impairment of diastolic function (expressed as greater E/E', P < .002) was observed across patterns of LV geometry. Among anthropometric measures, waist-to-height ratio showed better performance in relation to LVH, with an optimal cut-point of 0.58, compared with body mass index and waist circumference. Children with concentric LVH exhibited the worst metabolic risk profile, with greater prevalence of visceral obesity, high Tg/HDL-C, high BP, and high-normal FPG, than children with normal LV geometry.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with high levels of obesity, an unfavorable "cardiometabolic phenotype" can be identified, which includes concentric LVH, visceral obesity, high BP, high Tg/HDL-C, and high-normal FPG.

Alterations in cardiac structure and function in hypertension

Hypertension is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including heart failure with both preserved and reduced ejection fraction. Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) defines the complex and diverse perturbations of cardiac structure and function occurring secondary to hypertension. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most recognized features of HHD and is an established risk factor for adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in hypertension. Beyond LVH, LV geometry provides additional information regarding the cardiac response to hypertension. Imaging studies from larger cohorts of hypertensive patients reveal wide variability in the prevalence of LVH and LV geometric patterns, with the prevalence of concentric LVH similar to that of eccentric LVH. Hypertension is also associated with concomitant impairments in LV diastolic and systolic function. It remains uncertain why patients develop different patterns of LVH, although demographics and clinical comorbidities appear to influence that response.

The natural history of left ventricular geometry in the community: clinical correlates and prognostic significance of change in LV geometric pattern

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate pattern and clinical correlates of change in left ventricular (LV) geometry over a 4-year period in the community; it also assessed whether the pattern of change in LV geometry over 4 years predicts incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiovascular death, during an additional subsequent follow-up period.

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how LV geometric patterns change over time and whether changes in LV geometry have prognostic significance.

METHODS

This study evaluated 4,492 observations (2,604 unique Framingham Heart Study participants attending consecutive examinations) to categorize LV geometry at baseline and after 4 years. Four groups were defined on the basis of the sex-specific distributions of left ventricular mass (LVM) and relative wall thickness (RWT) (normal: LVM and RWT <80th percentile; concentric remodeling: LVM <80th percentile but RWT ≥80th percentile; eccentric hypertrophy: LVM ≥80th percentile but RWT <80th percentile; and concentric hypertrophy: LVM and RWT ≥80th percentile).

RESULTS

At baseline, 2,874 of 4,492 observations (64%) had normal LVM and RWT. Participants with normal geometry or concentric remodeling progressed infrequently (4% to 8%) to eccentric or concentric hypertrophy. Change from eccentric to concentric hypertrophy was uncommon (8%). Among participants with concentric hypertrophy, 19% developed eccentric hypertrophy within the 4-year period. Among participants with abnormal LV geometry at baseline, a significant proportion (29% to 53%) reverted to normal geometry within 4 years. Higher blood pressure, greater body mass index (BMI), advancing age, and male sex were key correlates of developing an abnormal geometry. Development of an abnormal LV geometric pattern over 4 years was associated with increased CVD risk (140 events) during a subsequent median follow-up of 12 years (adjusted-hazards ratio: 1.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.43).

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal observations in the community suggest that dynamic changes in LV geometric pattern over time are common. Higher blood pressure and greater BMI are modifiable factors associated with the development of abnormal LV geometry, and such progression portends an adverse prognosis.

Cardiac function in renovascular hypertensive patients with and without renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Hypertension impairs left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function, which might be aggravated by inflammation or neurohumoral activation. We hypothesized that LV diastolic dysfunction is more common in patients with renovascular hypertension (RVHT) compared with essential hypertension (EHT).

METHODS

Hypertensive patients who underwent both renal imaging to exclude RVHT and cardiac echocardiography within a 3-year period were identified retrospectively. Patients with significant renovascular disease were included in the RVHT group (n = 75); those without significant renovascular disease were included in the EHT group (n = 69). Cardiac function and structure were compared.

RESULTS

Baseline renal function was preserved (serum creatinine ≤ 2mg/dl) in EHT patients and impaired (serum creatinine > 2mg/dl) in only 9 RVHT patients. RVHT patients had higher systolic blood pressure, E/e' ratio, and greater prevalence of concentric hypertrophy but lower estimated glomerular-filtration-rate (eGFR) compared with EHT patients. Increased prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction remained statistically significant in patients with RVHT after multivariable adjustment for age, sex, blood pressure, eGFR, diabetes, smoking, and statin use, with a relative risk (95% CI) for abnormal E/e' of 1.70 (95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.90; P = 0.03) compared with EHT. RVHT patients with severe renal dysfunction showed greater impairments in cardiac systolic and diastolic function compared with those in EHT patients or preserved renal function RVHT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hypertensive patients undergoing echocardiography, cardiac structure and diastolic function are impaired in RVHT patients compared with EHT patients and remain different after adjustment for multiple significant covariables. When associated with significant renal dysfunction, RVHT aggravates LV hypertrophy and both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Hence, identification of RVHT and renal dysfunction warrants development of targeted management strategies.

Left ventricular hypertrophy patterns and incidence of heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction

Higher left ventricular (LV) mass, wall thickness, and internal dimension are associated with increased heart failure (HF) risk. Whether different LV hypertrophy patterns vary with respect to rates and types of HF incidence is unclear. In this study, 4,768 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 50 years, 56% women) were classified into 4 mutually exclusive LV hypertrophy pattern groups (normal, concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy) using American Society of Echocardiography-recommended thresholds of echocardiographic LV mass indexed to body surface area and relative wall thickness, and these groups were related to HF incidence. Whether risk for HF types (HF with reduced ejection fraction [<45%] vs preserved ejection fraction [≥45%]) varied by hypertrophy pattern was then evaluated. On follow-up (mean 21 years), 458 participants (9.6%, 250 women) developed new-onset HF. The age- and gender-adjusted 20-year HF incidence increased from 6.96% in the normal left ventricle group to 8.67%, 13.38%, and 15.27% in the concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy groups, respectively. After adjustment for co-morbidities and incident myocardial infarction, LV hypertrophy patterns were associated with higher HF incidence relative to the normal left ventricle group (p = 0.0002); eccentric hypertrophy carried the greatest risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41 to 2.54), followed by concentric hypertrophy (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.87). Participants with eccentric hypertrophy had a higher propensity for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.37), whereas those with concentric hypertrophy were more prone to HF with preserved ejection fraction (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.51). In conclusion, in this large community-based sample, HF risk varied by LV hypertrophy pattern, with eccentric and concentric hypertrophy predisposing to HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction, respectively.

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular geometric patterns in hypertensive patients in Nigeria

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients, and its geometric pattern is a useful determinant of severity and prognosis of heart disease. Studies on LV geometric pattern involving large number of Nigerian hypertensive patients are limited. We examined the LV geometric pattern in hypertensive patients seen in our echocardiographic laboratory. A two-dimensional, pulsed, continuous and color flow Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of 1020 consecutive hypertensive patients aged between 18 and 91 years was conducted over an 8-year period. LV geometric patterns were determined using the relationship between the relative wall thickness and LV mass index. Four patterns of LV geometry were found: 237 (23.2%) patients had concentric hypertrophy, 109 (10.7%) had eccentric hypertrophy, 488 (47.8%) had concentric remodeling, and 186 (18.2%) had normal geometry. Patients with concentric hypertrophy were significantly older in age, and had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, and pulse pressure than those with normal geometry. Systolic function index in patients with eccentric hypertrophy was significantly lower than in other geometric patterns. Doppler echocardiographic parameters showed some diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients with abnormal LV geometry. Concentric remodeling was the most common LV geometric pattern observed in our hypertensive patients, followed by concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy. Patients with concentric hypertrophy were older than those with other geometric patterns. LV systolic function was significantly lower in patients with eccentric hypertrophy and some degree of diastolic dysfunction were present in patients with abnormal LV geometry.

Correlates of isolated nocturnal hypertension and target organ damage in a population-based cohort of African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study

BACKGROUND

African Americans have higher rates of nocturnal hypertension and less nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping compared with whites. Although nocturnal hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, its clinical significance among those with normal daytime BP is unclear. This paper reports the prevalence and correlates of isolated nocturnal hypertension (INH) in a population-based cohort of African Americans enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS).

METHODS

The study sample included 425 untreated, normotensive and hypertensive JHS participants who underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), echocardiography, and 24-hour urine collection. Multiple logistic regression and 1-way analysis of variance models were used to test the hypothesis that those with INH have worse target organ damage reflected by greater left ventricular (LV) mass and proteinuria compared with normotensive participants.

RESULTS

Based on 24-hour ABP profiles, 19.1% of participants had INH. In age and sex-adjusted models, participants with INH had greater LV mass compared with those who were normotensive (P = 0.02), as well as about 3 times the odds of LV hypertrophy and proteinuria (Ps < 0.10). However, multivariable adjustment reduced the magnitude and statistical significance of each of these differences.

CONCLUSIONS

INH was associated with increased LV mass compared with normo tension in a population-based cohort of African Americans enrolled in the JHS. There were trends toward a greater likelihood of LV hyper trophy and proteinuria among participants with INH vs. those who were normotensive. The clinical significance of the noted target organ damage should be explored in this population.

Association of heart rate and left ventricular structure in a rural population in Korea

Abstract We investigated the association of heart rate (HR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with left ventricular (LV) structure in a multi-rural cohort project in Korea. A total of 3215 subjects were analyzed for factors related to Echo-LV mass index (LVMI). eGFR was positively associated with both types of LVMI whereas HR was negatively associated with both. Odd ratios (ORs) (highest versus lowest quartiles) for LVMI by height(2.7) were significant for HR (OR: 0.441, p = 0.0035 in males; OR: 0.638, p = 0.0226 in females), and for eGFR (OR:1.643, p = 0.0145) in females. In conclusion, in addition to age, systolic blood pressure and body mass index, eGFR is positively associated with echocardiographic LVMI and HR is negatively associated with echocardiographic LVMI.

Prevalence and covariates of abnormal left ventricular geometry in never-treated hypertensive patients in Tanzania

AIM. To assess prevalence, type and covariates of abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometry in untreated native Tanzanian patients with hypertension in relation to normotensive controls. METHODS. Echocardiography was performed in 161 untreated hypertensive outpatients and 80 normotensive controls at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Hypertensive heart disease was defined as presence of increased LV mass or relative wall thickness (RWT). RESULTS. The prevalence of hypertensive heart disease increased with the severity of hypertension and was on average 62.1% among patients and 12.5% in controls. In multivariate analyses, higher LV mass index was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (β = 0.28), body mass index (β = 0.20), peak early transmitral to medial mitral annulus velocity ratio (β = 0.16), and with lower stress-corrected midwall shortening (scMWS) (β = - 0.44) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = - 0.16), all p < 0.05. Higher RWT was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (β = 0.16), longer E-wave deceleration time (β = 0.23) and lower scMWS (β = - 0.66), irrespective of LV mass (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION. Subclinical hypertensive heart disease is highly prevalent in untreated native hypertensive Tanzanians and associated with both systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction. Management of hypertension in Africans should include high focus on subclinical hypertensive heart disease.

Early diastolic functional abnormalities in normotensive offspring of Nigerian hypertensives

Background

Some studies have suggested that diastolic dysfunction precedes the clinical manifestation of hypertension. Whether changes in cardiac structure and function predate the clinical manifestation of hypertension later in life is now being investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in cardiac structure and function between the offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents.

Methods

Eighty normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents (OHyp) (41 females and 39 males) and 62 normotensive offspring of normotensive parents (ONorm) (31 males and 31 females) were recruited for echocardiography.

Results

The mean age was 25.0 (5.31) and 24.3 (3.60) years in the OHyp and ONorm participants, respectively (p = 0.369). Other baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. Septal wall thickness in systole was higher in the OHyp than the ONorm subjects [1.3 (0.35) vs 1.1 (0.25), p = 0.0173]. Indexed left ventricular mass [28.1 (7.33) vs 27.5 (7.23), p = 0.631] and relative wall thickness [(0.3 (0.10) vs 0.3 (0.90), p = 0.280] were similar in the two groups. The offspring of hypertensives had lower deceleration time [149.9 (38.89) vs 169.0 (50.08) ms, p = 0.012], prolonged duration of pulmonary A reverse flow [113.5 (70.69) vs 81.7 (38.31) ms, p = 0.024], increased myocardial isovolumic relaxation time [173.4 (47.98) vs 156.1 (46.74) ms, p = 0.033] and a lower myocardial Em [0.2 (0.05) vs 0.3 (1.38), p = 0.037] and myocardial Em/Am ratio [1.6 (0.01) vs 2.1 (0.01), p = 0.019] than the offspring of normotensives.

Conclusion

This study showed that offspring of OHyp subjects had early diastolic functional abnormalities when compared with offspring of ONorm participants. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the implications of this finding in this African population.

Association of arterial stiffness and electrocardiography-determined left ventricular hypertrophy with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

Increased arterial stiffness is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), but this association may be influenced by left ventricular (LV) performance. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is not only a significant determinant of LV performance, but is also correlated with LVDD. This study is designed to compare LV diastolic function among patients divided by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and electrocardiography (ECG)-determined LVH and to assess whether increased baPWV and ECG-determined LVH are independently associated with LVDD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 270 patients and classified them into four groups according to the median value of baPWV and with/without ECG-determined LVH. The baPWV was measured using an ABI-form device. ECG-determined LVH was defined by Sokolow-Lyon criterion. LVDD was defined as impaired relaxation, pseudonormal, and restrictive mitral inflow patterns. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were patients with lower baPWV and without ECG-determined LVH, lower baPWV but with ECG-determined LVH, higher baPWV but without ECG-determined LVH, and higher baPWV and with ECG-determined LVH respectively.

RESULTS

Early diastolic mitral velocity (Ea) was gradually decreased from group 1 to group 4 (p≦0.027). Patients in group 4 had the highest prevalence of LVDD (all p<0.001). After multivariate analysis, both baPWV and ECG-determined LVH were independent determinants of Ea (β = -0.02, P<0.001; β = -1.77, P<0.001 respectively) and LVDD (odds ratio = 1.02, P = 0.011 and odds ratio = 3.53, P = 0.013 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed the group with higher baPWV and ECG-determined LVH had the lowest Ea and highest prevalence of LVDD. In addition, both baPWV and ECG-determined LVH were independently associated with Ea and LVDD. Hence, assessment of arterial stiffness by baPWV and LVH by ECG may be useful in identifying the high risk group of LVDD.

Cardiac structure and function in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese

BACKGROUND

Cardiac structure and function are well-studied in Western countries. However, epidemiological data is still scarce in China.

METHODS

Our study was conducted in the framework of cardiovascular health examinations for the current and retired employees of a factory and their family members. According to the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations, we performed echocardiography to evaluate cardiac structure and function, including left atrial volume, left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.

RESULTS

The 843 participants (43.0 years) included 288 (34.2%) women, and 191 (22.7%) hypertensive patients, of whom 82 (42.9%) took antihypertensive drugs. The prevalence of left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy and concentric remodeling was 2.4%, 5.0% and 12.7%, respectively. The prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was 14.2% and 3.3%, respectively. The prevalence of these cardiac abnormalities significantly (P ≤ 0.002) increased with age, except for the moderate-to-severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. After adjustment for age, gender, body height and body weight, left atrial enlargement was associated with plasma glucose (P = 0.009), and left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction were significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P ≤ 0.03), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities increased with age in this Chinese population. Current drinking and plasma glucose had an impact on left atrial enlargement, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressures were major correlates for left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, respectively.

Left ventricular geometry and diastolic function in the hypertensive heart: impact of age

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The impact of aging on the relationship between left ventricular (LV) mass/geometry and diastolic function as assessed by updated echocardiographic methods, such as tissue Doppler, is poorly defined. We investigated this issue in a cohort of hypertensive patients.

METHODS

A total of 660 hypertensives (mean age 65 ± 13 years, 48% men) with preserved LV systolic function underwent a comprehensive echo-Doppler examination for routine clinical indications. For the present analysis, the subjects have been divided in two age groups (<65 or ≥65 years).

RESULTS

Overall, 61% of subjects fulfilled the criteria for LVH, 18% for left atrial (LA) enlargement and 11% for altered LV filling index. Concentric LV geometry was 1.4-fold higher in older hypertensives than in younger counterparts; also the prevalence of LA enlargement and altered LV filling was 2.0- and 1.9-fold higher in the former group, respectively. In older hypertensives, at variance from younger ones, neither LV mass nor relative wall thickness (RWT), a continuous index of LV geometry, were independently correlated to conventional as well as tissue Doppler LV diastolic indexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the relationship between cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic function in hypertensive subjects is affected by aging-associated factors unrelated to the amount of LV mass as assessed by standard echocardiography.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in systemic hypertension

Systemic hypertension is a highly prevalent potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of underlying causes for hypertension, in assessing cardiovascular complications of hypertension, and in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease process. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides accurate and reproducible measures of ventricular volumes, mass, function and haemodynamics as well as uniquely allowing tissue characterization of diffuse and focal fibrosis. In addition, CMR is well suited for exclusion of common secondary causes for hypertension. We review the current and emerging clinical and research applications of CMR in hypertension.

Prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in European populations based on cross-validated diagnostic thresholds

Background

Different diagnostic criteria limit comparisons between populations in the prevalence of diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We aimed to compare across populations age-specific echocardiographic criteria for diastolic LV dysfunction as well as their correlates and prevalence.

Methods

We measured the E and A peaks of transmitral blood flow by pulsed wave Doppler and the e' and a' peaks of mitral annular velocities by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in 2 cohorts randomly recruited in Belgium (n = 782; 51.4% women; mean age, 51.1 years) and in Italy, Poland and Russia (n = 476; 55.7%; 44.5 years).

Results

In stepwise regression, the multivariable-adjusted correlates of the transmitral and TDI diastolic indexes were similar in the 2 cohorts and included sex, age, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate. Similarly, cut-off limits for the E/A ratio (2.5th percentile) and E/e' ratio (97.5th percentile) in 338 and 185 reference subjects free from cardiovascular risk factors respectively selected from both cohorts were consistent within 0.02 and 0.26 units (median across 5 age groups). The rounded 2.5th percentile of the E/A ratio decreased by ~0.10 per age decade in these apparently healthy subjects. The reference subsample provided age-specific cut-off limits for normal E/A and E/e' ratios. In the 2 cohorts combined, diastolic dysfunction groups 1 (impaired relaxation), 2 (possible elevated LV filling pressure) and 3 (elevated E/e' and abnormally low E/A) encompassed 114 (9.1%), 135 (10.7%), and 40 (3.2%) subjects, respectively.

Conclusions

The age-specific criteria for diastolic LV dysfunction were highly consistent across the study populations with an age-standardized prevalence of 22.4% vs. 25.1%.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy

Individuals with diabetes are at a significantly greater risk of developing cardioymyopathy and heart failure despite adjusting for concomitant risks such as coronary artery disease or hypertension. This has led to the increased recognition of a distinct disease process termed as "diabetic cardiomyopathy." In this article, we perform an extensive review of the pathogenesis and treatment of this disease. From a clinical perspective, physicians should be aware of this entity, and early screening should be considered because physical evidence of early diabetic cardiomyopathy could be difficult to detect. Early detection of the disease should prompt intensification of glycemic control, concomitant risk factors, use of pharmacologic agents such as β-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagosists. From a research perspective, more studies on myocardial tissue from diabetic patients are needed. Clinical trials to evaluate the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and fibrosis in early stages of the disease, as well as clinical trials of pharmacologic intervention in patients specifically with diabetic cardiomyopathy, need to be conducted.

Relation of obesity to circulating B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in blacks: the Jackson Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Lower plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in obese individuals ("natriuretic handicap") may play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. Whether this phenomenon may contribute to hypertension in blacks is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that body mass index is inversely related to BNP concentrations in blacks.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the relation of plasma BNP to body mass index in 3742 Jackson Heart Study participants (mean age, 55 ± 13; 62% women) without heart failure using multivariable linear and logistic regression, adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic covariates. The multivariable-adjusted mean BNP was higher for lean participants compared with obese participants in both normotensive (P<0.0001) and hypertensive (P<0.0012) groups. In sex-specific analyses, the adjusted mean BNP was higher in lean hypertensive individuals compared with obese hypertensive individuals for both men (20.5 versus 10.9 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.0009) and women (20.0 versus 13.8 pg/mL; P=0.011). The differences between lean and obese participants were more pronounced in normotensive participants (men, 9.0 versus 4.4 pg/mL; P<0.0001; women, 12.8 versus 8.4 pg/mL; P=0.0005). For both hypertensive and normotensive individuals in the pooled sample, multivariable-adjusted BNP was significantly related to both continuous body mass index (P<0.05 and P<0.0001, respectively) and categorical body mass index (P for trend <0.006 and <0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our cross-sectional study of a large community-based sample of blacks demonstrates that higher body mass index is associated with lower circulating BNP concentrations, thereby extending the concept of a natriuretic handicap in obese individuals observed in non-Hispanic whites to this high-risk population.

Implications of prevalent and incident diabetes mellitus on left ventricular geometry and function in the ageing heart: the MONICA/KORA Augsburg cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

It is unclear to what extent diabetes modulates the ageing-related adaptations of cardiac geometry and function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined 1005 adults, aged 25-74 years, from a population-based survey at baseline in 1994/5 and at follow-up in 2004/5. We compared persistently non-diabetic individuals (ND; no diabetes at baseline and at follow-up, n=833) with incident (ID; non-diabetic at baseline and diabetic at follow-up, n=36) and with prevalent diabetics (PD; diabetes at baseline and follow-up examination, n=21). Left ventricular (LV) geometry and function were evaluated by echocardiography. Statistical analyses were performed with multivariate linear regression models. Over ten years the PD group displayed a significantly stronger relative increase of LV mass (+9.34% vs. +23.7%) that was mediated by a more pronounced increase of LV end-diastolic diameter (+0% vs. +6.95%) compared to the ND group. In parallel, LA diameter increased (+4.50% vs. +12.7%), whereas ejection fraction decreased (+3.02% vs. -4.92%) more significantly in the PD group. Moreover, at the follow-up examination the PD and ID groups showed a significantly worse diastolic function, indicated by a higher E/EM ratio compared with the ND group (11.6 and 11.8 vs. 9.79, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-standing diabetes was associated with an acceleration of age-related changes of left ventricular geometry accumulating in an eccentric remodelling of the left ventricle. Likewise, echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic ventricular function deteriorated more rapidly in individuals with diabetes.

Pericardial fat and echocardiographic measures of cardiac abnormalities: the Jackson Heart Study

OBJECTIVE

Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), a regional fat depot adjacent to the myocardium, may mediate the complex relation between obesity and cardiac left ventricular (LV) abnormalities. We sought to evaluate the association of PAT with echocardiographic measures of LV abnormalities in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1,414 African Americans (35% men; mean age 58 years) from the JHS underwent computed tomographic assessment of PAT and abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from 2007 to 2009 and echocardiography examination between 2000 and 2004. Echocardiographic measures of left atrial (LA) internal diameter, LV mass, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and E-wave velocity-to-A-wave velocity ratio (E/A ratio) were examined in relation to PAT, VAT, BMI, and waist circumference (WC).

RESULTS

All adiposity measures were positively correlated with LA diameter and LV mass and negatively correlated with E/A ratio (P = 0.02 to 0.0001) and were not with LVEF (P = 0.36-0.61). In women, per 1-SD increment of PAT, we observed association with higher LV mass (9.0 ± 1.7 gm, P = 0.0001) and LA diameter (1.0 ± 0.1 mm, P = 0.0001). However, the magnitude of the association between PAT and cardiac measures was similar compared with VAT (P = 0.65 [LV mass]; P = 0.26 [LA diameter]) and was smallercompared with BMI (P = 0.002 [LV mass]; P = 0.01 [LA diameter]) and WC (P = 0.009 [LA diameter]).

CONCLUSIONS

PAT is correlated with echocardiographic measures of cardiac LV abnormalities, but the association is not stronger than other adiposity measures.

Left ventricular dysfunction as a risk factor for cardiovascular and noncardiovascular hospitalizations in African Americans

BACKGROUND

A substantial portion of the public health burden of heart failure is due to hospitalizations, many of which are for causes other than cardiovascular disease. We assessed whether left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction was associated with increased risk of both cardiovascular and noncardiovascular hospitalizations in a community sample of African Americans.

METHODS

African American participants from the Jackson, MS, site of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who underwent echocardiography were followed for 12 years. Hospitalization rates among individuals with and without LV systolic dysfunction were compared using negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

Among 2,416 participants with echocardiograms, LV systolic dysfunction was found in 61 (2.5%). Participants with LV dysfunction experienced 366 hospitalizations, a rate of 1.27 per person-year, compared with 0.25 per person-year among individuals without LV dysfunction. The incidence rate ratio adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and other risk factors was 3.11 (95% CI 2.22-4.35). The adjusted rate ratios were 4.76 (95% CI 2.90-7.20) for cardiovascular and 2.67 (95% CI 1.82-3.90) for noncardiovascular diagnoses, with similar findings in the subset of individuals with asymptomatic LV dysfunction. The percentage attributable risks for hospitalizations were 87% and 74% for cardiovascular and noncardiovascular causes (79% and 63% after adjustment).

CONCLUSIONS

African American individuals with LV dysfunction are at an increased risk of hospitalization due to a wide range of causes, with noncardiovascular hospitalizations accounting for nearly half the increased risk. To the extent that estimates of risk focus on cardiovascular morbidity, they may underestimate the true health burden of LV dysfunction.

Low cardiovascular risk is associated with favorable left ventricular mass, left ventricular relative wall thickness, and left atrial size: the CARDIA study

BACKGROUND

Echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) mass and relative wall thickness and left atrial (LA) size predict future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare young adults with low cardiovascular risk (body mass index, 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2); blood pressure < 120/80 mmHg; no tobacco use, no diabetes, and physical fitness) with those without these characteristics with regard to LV mass and relative wall thickness and LA size, to determine the protective effect of a healthy lifestyle on the development of these characteristics.

METHODS

Cross-sectional assessment of 4059 black and white men and women aged 23 to 35 years in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study at the year 5-examination, when risk factors were measured, and echocardiography to assess LV mass and relative wall thickness were performed. Physical fitness was measured at baseline using a symptom-limited maximal treadmill test. All other covariates were measured concurrently with echocardiography.

RESULTS

Gender, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure were associated with LV mass and relative wall thickness and LA size in multivariate models. Additional correlates of LV mass/height(2.7) ratio were tobacco use, resting heart rate (inverse), self-reported physical activity, gender (male higher), and age. Age was associated with LV relative wall thickness but not other measures of LV size. Additional correlates of LA diameter/height ratio were tobacco use, resting heart rate (inverse), serum glucose, and self-reported physical activity. Seven hundred ninety of 4059 subjects (19%) were classified as having low risk; black race was less likely in the low-risk group. Those with low risk had lower LV mass/height(2.7) ratios (32.0 vs 34.6 g/m(2.7), P < .0001), better LV relative wall thickness (0.33 vs 0.35, P < .0001), and lower LA diameter/height ratios (2.02 vs 2.08 cm/m, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

A low cardiovascular risk profile in young adulthood is associated with more favorable LV mass, LV relative wall thickness, and LA size. This may be one mechanism of lifestyle protection against cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Risk Factors Associated with Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients without Hypertension

Background

Hypertension and age are recognized as important risk factors for left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Some studies have shown that diabetes itself may also be an independent risk factor for LV diastolic dysfunction, although this is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes in the absence of hypertension or ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Methods

Participants in this study consisted of 65 type 2 diabetes patients (M : F = 45 : 20; mean age 51 [26 to 76] years; mean body mass index [BMI] 25.0 ± 2.5 kg/m²) without hypertension, heart disease, or renal disease. Individuals with ischemic electrocardiographic changes were excluded. LV diastolic function was evaluated by Doppler echocardiographic studies.

Results

Fifteen patients (23.1%) showed LV diastolic dysfunction on Doppler echocardiographic studies. Patients with LV diastolic dysfunction were older than those without diastolic dysfunction (60.0 ± 2.5 vs. 50.5 ± 1.9 years; P < 0.01). After adjusting for age and sex, BMI was higher (26.6 ± 0.7 vs. 24.6 ± 0.3 kg/m²; P < 0.01) and diabetes duration was longer (9.65 ± 1.48 vs. 4.71 ± 0.78 years; P < 0.01) in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction than in those without diastolic dysfunction. There were no differences in sex, smoking, blood pressure, lipid profiles, hemoglobin A₁C, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or diabetic microvascular complications between the LV diastolic dysfunction group and the normal diastolic function group. After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, diabetes duration was found to be independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio 1.38; confidence interval 1.12 to 1.72; P = 0.003).

Conclusion

These results suggest that diabetes duration may be a risk factor for LV diastolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients without hypertension or IHD.

Relation of left ventricular mass and concentric remodeling to extent of coronary artery disease by computed tomography in patients without left ventricular hypertrophy: ROMICAT study

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac computed tomography allows for simultaneous assessment of left ventricular mass (LVM) and coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to determine whether LVM, LVM index (LVMi), and the left ventricular geometric pattern of concentric remodeling are associated with the extent of CAD in patients without left ventricular hypertrophy.

METHODS

In 348 patients from the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction Using Computer Assisted Tomography trial, 64-slice computed tomography was performed and LVM measured at end-diastole. We used three LVM indexation criteria to obtain three cohorts: LVM indexed to body surface area by echocardiography (n = 337) and computed tomography criteria (n = 325), and by height (n = 326). The cohorts were subdivided into concentric remodeling and normal geometry. Extent of coronary plaque was classified based on a 17-segment model, treated as a continuous variable, and stratified into three groups: zero segment, one to four segments, and more than four segments.

RESULTS

Patients with more than four segments of coronary plaque had higher LVM (Delta12.8-15.1 g) and LVMi (Delta4.0-5.5 g/m and Delta2.2 g/m) than those without CAD (all P < or = 0.03). After multivariable adjustment, LVM and LVMi remained independent predictors of extent of coronary plaque, with 0.27-0.29 segments more plaque per 20 g increase of LVM (all P = 0.02), 0.32-0.34 segments more plaque per 10 g/m increase of LVMi (both P = 0.02), and 0.80 segments more plaque per 10 g/m increase of LVMi (P = 0.008). Concentric remodeling patients had 1.1-1.3 segments more plaque than those with normal geometry (all P < or = 0.05). Patients with more than four segments of plaque had two-fold increase in odds (all P < or = 0.05) of having concentric remodeling as compared with those without CAD.

CONCLUSION

Increased LVM, LVMi, and concentric remodeling are associated with a greater degree of coronary plaque burden in patients without left ventricular hypertrophy. These findings could provide an indication to intensify medical therapy in patients with subclinical CAD and hypertension.