Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography
07:11

Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

The prevalence of treatable left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients who present with noncardiac vascular

Robert Kelly1, Anthony Staines, Ron MacWalter

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Dundee and Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|January 15, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is five times more common in patients with their first noncardiac vascular event than in controls. Screening for LVSD in these patients is recommended to potentially reduce cardiac death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Patients experiencing their first noncardiac vascular episode, such as stroke, TIA, or PVD, represent a critical window for identifying underlying cardiac conditions.
  • Undiagnosed left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is a significant contributor to sudden cardiac death in these patient populations.
  • Early detection of LVSD may offer opportunities for intervention to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of treatable left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in patients presenting with their first noncardiac vascular episode.
  • To compare the incidence of LVSD in patients with vascular disease versus age- and gender-matched control subjects.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding the potential benefits of screening for LVSD in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 522 patients (302 with stroke, TIA, or PVD; 220 controls) underwent clinical assessment, ECG, and echocardiography.
  • Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was defined by an LV ejection fraction less than or equal to 40%.
  • Statistical analysis compared the prevalence of LVSD between patient groups and controls.

Main Results:

  • LVSD was detected in 28% of patients with vascular disease compared to 5.5% of control subjects.
  • Prevalence of LVSD was 28% in stroke patients, 26% in TIA patients, and 31% in PVD patients.
  • Asymptomatic LVSD was more common than symptomatic LVSD in patients with vascular disease.

Conclusions:

  • Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is significantly more prevalent in patients with first-time noncardiac vascular episodes.
  • The high prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic LVSD underscores the need for systematic screening.
  • Routine screening for LVSD in patients with noncardiac vascular events should be considered to potentially reduce cardiac mortality.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...