Left ventricular strain and strain rate in a general population

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Physiology

Background:

• Left ventricular (LV) strain and strain rate (SR) are crucial indicators of myocardial function.
• Previous research has not comprehensively described LV strain and SR in a general population.
• Understanding normal ranges is essential for identifying early signs of LV systolic dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe peak-systolic strain and SR of the LV in a general population.
• To establish diagnostic thresholds for LV strain and SR using a healthy subgroup.
• To explore factors influencing LV strain and SR in the general population.

Main Methods:

• A family-based population study including 480 subjects was conducted.
• Measurements included end-systolic longitudinal strain, peak-systolic longitudinal SR, and radial strain/SR of the LV.
• Tissue Doppler imaging was utilized to assess these parameters.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal and radial strain and SR decreased significantly with age (P ≤ 0.007).
• Strain parameters were independently associated with relative wall thickness, waist-to-hip ratio, and body weight.
• Diagnostic thresholds were proposed based on the fifth percentiles from a healthy subgroup (n = 236).

Conclusions:

• LV strain and SR decline with increasing age, body weight, central obesity, and relative wall thickness.
• The study provides proposed diagnostic thresholds for LV strain and SR in the general population.
• These findings aid in the early identification of LV systolic dysfunction.