Related Experiment Videos
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
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.
Abstract:
The aim of our study was to examine the structure of left ventricle, diastolic filling indexes and QT dispersion in elderly patients (aged 60 years and over) with borderline isolated systolic hypertension in a population screening program and to compare them with age matched controls. One hundred and four subjects (66 female, 38 male, mean age 66+/-5) and 110 normotensive age and sex matched controls (64 female, 46 male, mean age 66+/-5) were included in the study. Echocardiographic features of left ventricle, left atrium and cardiac valves, diastolic filling indexes and QT dispersion in 12 lead electrocardiographic examination were studied. In borderline hypertensive elderly, left ventricular hypertrophy was a more frequent finding compared with the controls (33% versus 15% respectively). Diastolic filling indexes were impaired, presence of left atrial enlargement and cardiac valve calcification were also more frequent in the patients group. In the electrocardiographic examination, the duration of QT and corrected QT interval and dispersion of QT and QTc were significantly prolonged compared with the controls. It is concluded that patients with borderline isolated systolic hypertension have more unfavourable echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings compared with the normotensive elderly and especially those with end organ damage should be treated as defined for isolated systolic hypertension.