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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
06:34
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structure and Function using 3D Echocardiography
Published on: October 28, 2020
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Age-related differences in left ventricular structure and function between healthy men and women
Summary
Men's hearts show greater age-related changes in left ventricular (LV) volumes and mechanics compared to women's. Postmenopausal women also exhibit reduced LV relaxation and mechanics versus premenopausal women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular function declines with age, but sex-specific differences in this decline are not well understood.
- Aging impacts left ventricular (LV) structure, function, and mechanics, with potential variations between sexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related sex differences in LV structure, function, and mechanics.
- To compare LV measures between pre- and postmenopausal middle-aged women.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 82 healthy adults using resting echocardiography.
- Analysis included young and middle-aged men and women (pre- and postmenopausal).
- Statistical methods included two-way ANOVAs for sex-age interactions and t-tests for menopausal comparisons.
Main Results:
- Middle-aged men had significantly lower LV mass, stroke volume, and end-diastolic volume than young men; this difference was smaller in women.
- Peak systolic apical mechanics were greater in middle-aged men than middle-aged women.
- Postmenopausal women showed reduced LV relaxation and mechanics compared to premenopausal women.
Conclusions:
- Men's and women's hearts may age differently, with men exhibiting more pronounced changes in LV volumes and apical mechanics.
- Age-related cardiovascular changes differ between sexes, highlighting the need for sex-specific considerations in aging hearts.
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