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The correlation of left ventricular hypertrophy with the severity of atherosclerosis and embolic events

Nattawut Wongpraparut1, Sirin Apiyasawat, Suraj Maraj

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 363 Klein Professional Building, 5401 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|June 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular mass index correlates with aortic atheroma severity. Increased LV mass and plaque severity are linked to stroke, highlighting cardiovascular risk in patients with higher left ventricular mass.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Atherosclerosis Research
  • Cardiac Imaging

Background:

  • Aortic atheroma is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis.
  • Left ventricular (LV) mass index reflects cardiac remodeling.
  • The relationship between aortic plaque and LV hypertrophy requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the correlation between aortic atheroma and LV mass index.
  • To investigate the association between aortic plaque characteristics and clinical outcomes.
  • To understand the contribution of LV mass to cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 87 patients with aortic atherosclerosis and controls.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data from 1995-2000.
  • Comparison of LV mass index and aortic plaque severity between groups.

Main Results:

  • Mean LV mass index was significantly higher in the atherosclerosis group (116 g/m²) versus controls (81 g/m²).
  • A close correlation was observed between LV mass index and the severity of aortic arch and descending aorta plaque.
  • Large, ulcerated plaques showed a significant correlation with stroke events (p < 0.002).

Conclusions:

  • LV mass index is a significant correlate of aortic atheroma severity.
  • Smoking, hypertension, and high LV mass index are associated with severe plaque and stroke.
  • Increased LV mass may partially explain the elevated cardiovascular risk in affected patients.
Abstract

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