Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery
08:17

Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery

Published on: February 20, 2017

13.9K

Systemic lupus erythematosus predicts increased left ventricular mass

Janice Pieretti1, Mary J Roman, Richard B Devereux

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Circulation
|July 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is linked to increased left ventricular (LV) mass and hypertrophy, even without other heart conditions. This suggests inflammation-related arterial stiffening may impact cardiac health in SLE patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known to accelerate atherosclerosis and vascular stiffening.
  • The impact of SLE on left ventricular (LV) structure and function, independent of valvular or coronary artery disease, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether SLE alters LV structure and function in patients without overt cardiovascular disease.
  • To explore the relationship between SLE, arterial stiffness, and LV remodeling.

Main Methods:

  • Age and gender-matched comparison of SLE patients (n=173) and a reference group (n=173).
  • Echocardiography for LV structure and function assessment.
  • Carotid ultrasonography for atherosclerosis detection and radial applanation tonometry for arterial stiffness measurement.

Main Results:

  • SLE patients exhibited significantly higher LV mass (P<0.001) and a greater prevalence of LV hypertrophy (17.9% vs. 6.4%, P<0.001) compared to controls.
  • LV mass in SLE patients was independently associated with SLE itself (P<0.001) and arterial stiffness (P<0.001).
  • Hypertension exacerbated LV mass increase in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus is a predictor of increased LV mass, potentially mediated by inflammation-induced arterial stiffening.
  • Elevated LV hypertrophy in SLE may contribute to the observed increase in cardiac morbidity and mortality.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography06:34

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography

Published on: October 28, 2020

4.1K
Morphological and Functional Assessment of the Right Ventricle Using 3D Echocardiography07:11

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

Published on: October 28, 2020

2.8K

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
1.3K
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
1.8K
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
564
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
1.2K
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
2.1K
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...
810