Age-dependency of classic and new parameters of diastolic function

Age-dependency has been demonstrated for classic diastolic parameters but is less documented for novel markers. We compared wide spectrum of diastolic measurements in healthy subjects younger and older than 50 and 70 years.

In 80 subjects (17 to 91 year, 38 male, mean age 53 +/- 16) we assessed in transthoracic echocardiography mitral inflow, pulmonary vein flow, propagation velocity, and tissue Doppler parameters. The data were compared between the groups: A < 50, B 50-70, and C > 70 years and their correlation with age was analyzed.

In the older groups a longer duration of isovolumic relaxation, higher velocity of mitral inflow atrial phase, and lower early to atrial mitral inflow velocity ratio (E/A) were observed. In pulmonary veins ratio of peak systolic to diastolic velocity (S/D) was higher and atrial reversal flow faster. Among the new parameters in older groups a lower propagation velocity of early wave (Ep) (30 +/- 8 in C, 44 +/- 10 in B vs 49+/-9 cm/s in A;P< 0.05) and peak early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (E' 9.5 +/- 1.8 in C and 11.2 +/- 2.9 in B vs 15.8 +/- 4.1 cm/s in A,P< 0.05) were recorded.

Besides the evolution of mitral inflow toward the delayed relaxation profile in elderly, a decrease of propagation and tissue Doppler velocities were documented. The strongest positive correlation with age was observed for atrial velocity of mitral inflow (A, r = 0.63) and inverse correlation for E/A ratio (r =-0.6) and early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (r =-0.69).