A comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure and function in patients with treated malignant phase hypertension:

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Comprehensive Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricle Function in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
07:38

Comprehensive Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricle Function in a Rat Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Published on: January 20, 2023

Alena Shantsila1, Girish Dwivedi, Eduard Shantsila

  • 1University of Birmingham Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham B18 7QH, United Kingdom.

International Journal of Cardiology
|December 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Malignant hypertension (MHT) patients show lasting cardiac changes despite controlled blood pressure. Echocardiography reveals persistent structural and functional abnormalities in the left ventricle (LV) comparable to high-risk hypertension (HHT).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Malignant hypertension (MHT) is known to cause cardiac structural and functional abnormalities.
  • The long-term impact of blood pressure control on cardiac structure and function in MHT patients remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term effects of controlled blood pressure on left ventricle (LV) structure and function in patients with a history of malignant hypertension (MHT).
  • To compare cardiac parameters in MHT patients with those in high-risk hypertension (HHT) and healthy controls (HC).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized two-dimensional (2DE), three-dimensional (3DE) echocardiography, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for detailed LV assessment.
  • Included vasodilator stress myocardial contrast echocardiography to rule out coronary artery disease.
  • Calculated parameters such as wall thickness, LV mass index, volumes, ejection fraction, mitral inflow indices, mitral annular velocity, and left atrial volume index (LAVI).

Main Results:

  • MHT and HHT groups showed significantly higher septal and posterior wall thickness compared to HC, with no difference between MHT and HHT.
  • No significant difference in LV ejection fraction was observed among the three groups.
  • Both hypertensive groups exhibited increased LAVI, reduced TDI 'S' velocity, and altered mitral inflow indices (E/E', E/A ratio) compared to HC.

Conclusions:

  • Despite long-term blood pressure control, MHT patients exhibit persistent structural and functional left ventricle (LV) changes.
  • These echocardiographic findings in MHT patients are comparable to those observed in high-risk hypertension (HHT) patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Biventricular Assessment of Cardiac Function and Pressure-Volume Loops by Closed-Chest Catheterization in Mice08:21

Biventricular Assessment of Cardiac Function and Pressure-Volume Loops by Closed-Chest Catheterization in Mice

Published on: June 15, 2020

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...
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...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
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,...
Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...