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Cardiac diastolic dysfunction is associated with cerebral white matter lesions in elderly patients with risk factors

Hisashi Masugata1, Shoichi Senda, Fuminori Goda

  • 1Department of Integrated Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan. masugata@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp

The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac diastolic dysfunction is linked to more severe cerebral white matter lesions in elderly patients with atherosclerosis risk factors. This finding highlights a connection between heart health and brain health, particularly in older individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Cerebral white matter lesions (brain MRI) indicate ischemic injury and stroke risk.
  • Understanding factors influencing these lesions is crucial for stroke prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cardiac diastolic function and cerebral white matter lesions.
  • To explore this relationship in elderly patients with atherosclerosis risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 55 elderly patients (75±7 years) with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.
  • Assessed cerebral white matter lesions using periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on MRI.
  • Measured cardiac diastolic function via peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E' velocity) using tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • Mean E' velocity was reduced (5.2±1.4 cm/s), indicating diastolic dysfunction.
  • E' velocity showed a significant inverse correlation with PVH severity (ρ = -0.701, p < 0.001).
  • Decreased E' velocity and hypertension independently predicted PVH severity.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac diastolic dysfunction is correlated with the severity of cerebral white matter lesions.
  • Suggests a cardio-cerebral connection in elderly individuals with atherosclerosis risk factors.
  • Highlights the importance of assessing cardiac function in managing cerebrovascular risk.

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