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Echocardiographic features and QT dispersion in borderline isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly

D Ural1, B Komsuoğlu, B Cetinarslan

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Kocaeli, Turkey. www.dilek_ural@hotmail.com

International Journal of Cardiology
|April 23, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Elderly patients with borderline isolated systolic hypertension show concerning heart structure changes and electrical abnormalities. Early intervention is crucial to prevent potential end-organ damage in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Borderline isolated systolic hypertension (BISH) is prevalent in the elderly.
  • Understanding subclinical cardiac changes in BISH is vital for early risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate left ventricular structure, diastolic function, and QT dispersion in elderly individuals with BISH.
  • To compare these parameters with age-matched normotensive controls.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography assessed left ventricular structure, diastolic filling, and cardiac valves.
  • 12-lead electrocardiography evaluated QT dispersion (QTd) and corrected QT interval (QTc).
  • Study included 104 BISH patients and 110 controls, all aged 60+.

Main Results:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy was more common in BISH patients (33% vs. 15%).
  • Impaired diastolic filling, left atrial enlargement, and valve calcification were more frequent in the BISH group.
  • Significantly prolonged QT and QTc intervals and dispersion were observed in BISH patients compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Elderly patients with BISH exhibit unfavorable echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings.
  • These individuals may benefit from treatment strategies similar to those for established isolated systolic hypertension, particularly if end-organ damage is present.

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