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Left ventricular structure and systolic function in African Americans: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC)

Vuyisile T Nkomo1, Donna K Arnett, Emelia J Benjamin

  • 1University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55454-1015, USA.

Ethnicity & Disease
|February 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular hypertrophy is common in middle-aged African Americans and linked to reduced systolic function. This study highlights the prevalence and impact of LV hypertrophy on heart health in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a significant cardiovascular condition.
  • Understanding its prevalence and impact on systolic function in specific populations is crucial for public health.
  • African Americans have a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, necessitating focused research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in a population-based sample of African Americans.
  • To investigate the relationship between LV hypertrophy and LV systolic function.
  • To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with LV hypertrophy.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study utilizing baseline 2D guided M-mode echocardiography.
  • Analysis included 1543 African Americans aged 51-70 without prevalent cardiovascular or valvular disease.
  • LV hypertrophy defined as LV mass/height^2.7 ≥ 51 g/m^2.7; systolic function assessed by observed/predicted midwall fractional shortening (O/P MWS%).

Main Results:

  • LV hypertrophy prevalence was 33% in men and 38% in women.
  • Concentric hypertrophy was more prevalent than eccentric hypertrophy in both sexes.
  • A significant inverse relationship was observed between O/P MWS% and LV mass/height^2.7, indicating poorer systolic function with increased LV hypertrophy, even after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Left ventricular hypertrophy is highly prevalent in this middle-aged African American cohort.
  • LV hypertrophy is associated with impaired LV systolic chamber function.
  • Findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing LV hypertrophy in African Americans to prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Abstract

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