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Age-associated changes in left ventricular diastolic function are related to increasing left ventricular mass
Abdul-Majeed Salmasi1, Audrey Alimo, Ewart Jepson
1Cardiac Research Unit, Department of Cardiology, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, United Kingdom. majeed.salmasi@nwlh.nhs.uk
American Journal of Hypertension
|June 12, 2003
Summary
Aging stiffens the left ventricle, reducing early filling and increasing atrial contribution to diastolic function. Isometric exercise (IME) exacerbates these age-related changes in diastolic function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Geriatric Cardiology
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Aging significantly impacts cardiovascular hemodynamics.
- Diastolic left ventricular (LV) function is crucial for maintaining cardiac output.
- Isometric exercise (IME) is a known stimulus for hemodynamic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of age on diastolic LV function.
- To assess changes in diastolic function parameters during isometric exercise.
- To explore the relationship between LV mass and diastolic function with aging.
Main Methods:
- 100 healthy volunteers underwent echocardiography with pulsed-Doppler ultrasound.
- Measurements included transmitral flow (E/A ratio, DT, IVRT) at rest and during IME.
- LV mass index (LVMI) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated.
Main Results:
- E/A ratio and IVRT decreased significantly with age.
- LVEF decreased, while LVMI increased with advancing age.
- Atrial contraction contribution to diastolic flow increased with age and during IME.
Conclusions:
- Progressive aging leads to increased left ventricular stiffness and reduced early filling.
- Increased LVMI with aging may contribute to diastolic dysfunction.
- Isometric exercise exaggerates age-related deterioration in diastolic function.