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Left ventricular geometry and diastolic function in the hypertensive heart: impact of age

Francesca Negri1, Carla Sala, Annalisa Re

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine and Prevention, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.

Blood Pressure
|August 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Aging affects how left ventricular (LV) mass and geometry relate to diastolic function in hypertensive patients. This relationship is influenced by age-related factors beyond LV mass itself.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • The impact of aging on left ventricular (LV) mass/geometry and diastolic function is not well understood.
  • Hypertensive patients often exhibit changes in LV structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how aging influences the relationship between LV mass/geometry and diastolic function in hypertensive individuals.
  • To assess diastolic function using advanced echocardiographic methods, including tissue Doppler.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 660 hypertensive patients (mean age 65 ± 13 years) with preserved LV systolic function was studied.
  • Patients were divided into two age groups: <65 years and ≥65 years.
  • Comprehensive echo-Doppler examinations were performed.

Main Results:

  • Older hypertensives showed higher prevalence of LV hypertrophy (LVH), left atrial (LA) enlargement, and altered LV filling compared to younger counterparts.
  • Concentric LV geometry was more prevalent in older hypertensives.
  • In older patients, LV mass and relative wall thickness (RWT) did not correlate with diastolic indexes, unlike in younger patients.

Conclusions:

  • Aging significantly alters the relationship between LV hypertrophy and diastolic function in hypertensive patients.
  • Factors associated with aging, independent of LV mass, play a crucial role in diastolic dysfunction.
  • Standard echocardiographic assessment of LV mass may not fully capture age-related changes in diastolic function.
Abstract

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