ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT WHO/ISH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK GROUPS

E Rukhadze1, N Bregvadze-Tabagari1, L Tvildiani1

  • 1David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia.

Georgian Medical News
|July 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Echocardiographic measures of left atrial size and pulmonary systolic pressure show early signs of cardiovascular disease risk, even in individuals without symptoms. These findings suggest incorporating echocardiography into cardiovascular disease risk assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification is crucial for preventive strategies.
  • The World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk stratification tool is widely used.
  • Early detection of subclinical cardiac changes can improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the association between echocardiographic indicators of target organ damage (TOD) and CVD risk groups defined by WHO/ISH.
  • To identify early echocardiographic predictors of CVD in a population without clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 146 participants (66.4% women, 33.6% men) aged [mean age not specified].
  • Participants were categorized into three CVD risk groups (WHO/ISH <10%, 10-29.9%, ≥30%).
  • Routine echocardiography was performed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in left atrial (LA) size, pulmonary systolic pressure (PSP), and ejection fraction (EF) across WHO/ISH risk groups.
  • Moderate LA enlargement and mildly to moderately elevated PSP were noted in the highest risk group (Group 3).
  • Ejection fraction showed a tendency towards reduction from lower to higher risk groups, though it remained within normal limits.

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial enlargement and elevated pulmonary systolic pressure, even in individuals without overt CVD, may serve as early predictors of cardiovascular disease.
  • Echocardiographic assessment should be considered as part of the CVD risk evaluation protocol for selected populations.

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