Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
09:31

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

Published on: January 27, 2023

Treated arterial hypertension--which echocardiographic parameters should we monitor?

Catarina S Sousa1, Susana Gonçalves, Fausto J Pinto

  • 1Instituto Cardiovascular de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal. sousa.cat@gmail.com

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology
|April 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Uncontrolled hypertension shows early systolic and diastolic dysfunction detectable by echocardiography, even with preserved ejection fraction. Monitoring these parameters aids in early detection and management of hypertension complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Arterial hypertension (HTN) is a major cardiovascular risk factor.
  • Early detection of cardiac dysfunction in hypertensive patients is crucial for management.
  • Conventional echocardiography may not reveal subtle changes in cardiac function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify echocardiographic parameters that discriminate between controlled and uncontrolled arterial hypertension.
  • To assess early systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in treated hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 95 patients with treated essential hypertension using conventional echocardiography and pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).
  • Assessed peak systolic (Sm) and early diastolic (Em) myocardial velocities, and the ratio of mitral inflow E wave to Em (E/Em).
  • Compared parameters between patients with controlled and uncontrolled HTN.

Main Results:

  • Patients with uncontrolled HTN exhibited significantly reduced septal and lateral Sm (systolic function) compared to controlled HTN (p<0.005).
  • Uncontrolled HTN also showed reduced septal and lateral Em (diastolic function) and increased mean E/Em (p<0.005).
  • All patients had preserved ejection fraction, indicating early functional changes.

Conclusions:

  • Echocardiographic parameters like Sm and Em can identify early systolic and diastolic dysfunction in uncontrolled HTN, despite preserved ejection fraction.
  • Regular monitoring of these TDI-derived parameters is valuable for early detection of cardiac changes in hypertensive patients.
  • Early identification of these functional changes can inform hypertension management and prevent complications.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients08:45

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients

Published on: April 18, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound01:19

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound

To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists01:18

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists

Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...