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Inflammatory markers are associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in a population-based

S Masiha1, J Sundström, L Lind

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. said.masiha@medsci.uu.se

Journal of Human Hypertension
|January 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Inflammatory markers like hsCRP and E-selectin are elevated in elderly individuals with abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometry, particularly concentric LVH. These markers also correlate with impaired LV diastolic function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Inflammation is linked to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in specific patient groups.
  • Understanding inflammation's role in cardiac structure and function in the elderly is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between circulating inflammatory markers and left ventricular (LV) geometry and diastolic function in an elderly population.
  • To identify specific inflammatory markers associated with different LV geometric patterns and diastolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) cohort (n=1016, age 70).
  • Echocardiography assessed LV geometry (RWT, LVMI) and diastolic function (E/A-ratio), defining four geometric subgroups.
  • Measured 10 circulating inflammatory markers, including hsCRP, E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and P-selectin.

Main Results:

  • Elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and E-selectin were observed in individuals with abnormal LV geometry compared to normal geometry.
  • Specific adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin) and hsCRP were significantly higher in the concentric LVH group.
  • hsCRP and l-selectin showed a correlation with the E/A-ratio, indicating a link to diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory markers, particularly adhesion molecules and hsCRP, are elevated in elderly individuals with abnormal LV geometry, especially concentric LVH.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for inflammation in the development of abnormal LV geometry and diastolic dysfunction in older adults.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the pathogenic mechanisms linking inflammation to cardiac remodeling and function.

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