Does gender affect the association between right ventricular strain and arterial hypertension?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Right ventricular (RV) structure and function are critical indicators of cardiovascular health and overall mortality.
• Previous research has established the significance of the RV in cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gender on the structure and function of the right ventricle in individuals with untreated arterial hypertension.
• To analyze how hypertension and gender interact to affect RV remodeling.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 243 subjects undergoing 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
• Comprehensive echocardiographic examinations, including strain evaluation, were performed.
• Analysis included RV diameter, wall thickness, right atrial volume index (RAVI), tricuspid E/e' ratio, and RV longitudinal strain.

Main Results:

• Hypertension was associated with increased RV wall thickness, RAVI, and tricuspid E/e' ratio, and decreased RV longitudinal strain in both genders.
• Gender influenced RV diameter, RAVI, tricuspid E/e', and RV longitudinal strain.
• Hypertension-gender interaction significantly affected RAVI, E/e', and RV longitudinal strain.
• Hypertensive men exhibited more evident RV mechanical changes compared to hypertensive women.

Conclusions:

• Arterial hypertension leads to reduced RV longitudinal strain in both sexes.
• Gender, arterial hypertension, and their interaction play significant roles in the structural and mechanical remodeling of the right ventricle.
• Specific associations between RV parameters and 24-hour systolic BP or LV mass index varied by gender.