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Association of premature ventricular complex burden with elevated left ventricular filling pressure

Ahmed Salah Salem1, Mohamed Ahmed Elkotby1, Gamela Mohamed Nasr1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|June 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are linked to elevated left ventricular filling pressures. This study found a significant association between PVC burden and diastolic dysfunction in patients with normal ejection fraction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Diabetology

Background:

  • Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common arrhythmias with unclear causes.
  • Potential causes include sympathetic overactivity, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiomyopathies.
  • This study investigates the relationship between PVC burden and left ventricular (LV) filling pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if there is an association between the burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure.
  • To compare diastolic function in patients with frequent PVCs and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • 100 patients with frequent PVCs (>1% on 24-hour Holter) and normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF >50%) were enrolled.
  • Echocardiographic parameters, including E/E' to assess LV filling pressure, were measured.
  • Patients were compared to an age- and gender-matched control group (n=100).

Main Results:

  • Mean E' was significantly lower in PVC patients (6.4 ± 1.9 cm/s) compared to controls (7.9 ± 3.1 cm/s) (p=0.010).
  • Mean E/E' was significantly higher in PVC patients (12.5 ± 5.3) than controls (10.9 ± 5.7) (p=0.044), indicating impaired diastolic function.
  • No significant difference in LVEF was observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent PVCs are associated with elevated LV filling pressure.
  • This suggests a link between PVC burden and diastolic dysfunction, even in patients with preserved LVEF.
Abstract

Keywords:
filling pressureleft ventriclepremature ventricular contraction

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