Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Black Hypertensive Subjects

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hypertension Research
• African Health Studies

Background:

• Hypertension is a leading cause of heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Previous studies noted high rates of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in Nigerian hypertensive heart failure patients.
• Ischemic heart disease is less prevalent in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic LV systolic dysfunction.
• To investigate associated risk factors in hypertensive Black Africans without prior heart failure history.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed.
• 1,947 hypertensive subjects without heart failure were recruited.
• Data was collected from April 2006 to August 2013 at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Main Results:

• 6.7% of subjects exhibited LV systolic dysfunction.
• Male gender and diabetes mellitus were associated with worse LV systolic function.
• Factors linked to lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) included older age, male sex, diabetes, higher LV mass, and specific echocardiographic measurements.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic LV systolic dysfunction affects 6.7% of Black hypertensive individuals.
• Male gender, diabetes mellitus, and increased LV mass are significant associated factors.
• These findings highlight the importance of early detection and management in at-risk populations.