Left ventricular systolic synchrony in dilated cardiomyopathy patients with normal QRS wave

Na Yi1, Saidan Zhang

  • 1Department of Cardiovasology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.

Insights

Left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony (LV-SD) is present in dilated cardiomyopathy patients with normal QRS width. This dyssynchrony worsens systolic function and is linked to remodeling and mitral regurgitation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with chronic heart failure (CHF) often involves complex cardiac dysfunction.
  • Assessing left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony (LV-SD) is crucial for understanding disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate LV-SD distribution in DCM patients with CHF and normal QRS width using pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging (PW-DTI).
  • To investigate the relationship between LV-SD and left ventricular systolic function, remodeling, and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).

Main Methods:

  • Pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging (PW-DTI) was used to measure the time to peak systolic velocity (Ts) in 12 left ventricular segments.
  • Calculated standard deviation of Ts (Ts-SD) and maximum Ts difference (Ts-maxD) to quantify LV-SD.

Main Results:

  • DCM patients with CHF exhibited significantly higher Ts-SD and Ts-maxD compared to healthy controls.
  • LV-SD was identified in 29.8% of DCM patients with normal QRS width, with the inferior wall most affected.
  • LV-SD correlated negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and positively with left ventricular volumes, NYHA class, and FMR.

Conclusions:

  • LV-SD is a significant finding in DCM patients even with normal QRS width.
  • LV-SD exacerbates left ventricular systolic dysfunction and is associated with cardiac remodeling.
  • LV-SD may play a role in the development of FMR in DCM.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
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...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
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...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...