Left Ventricular Systolic Function Has Strong Independent Genetic Background from Diastolic Function: A Classical...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Limited data exist on the heritability of left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and their interdependence.
• Understanding the genetic and environmental contributions to LV function is crucial for deciphering heart failure pathomechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the magnitude of common and independent genetic and environmental factors defining LV systolic and diastolic function.
• To investigate the shared and specific influences on these cardiac parameters.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 184 asymptomatic twins using transthoracic echocardiography.
• Measurement of LV systolic (strain, rotation) and diastolic (inflow, annulus velocity, deceleration time) parameters.
• Application of genetic structural equation models to quantify genetic (Ac, As) and environmental (Ec, Es) contributions.

Main Results:

• LV systolic parameters exhibited no common genetic or environmental heritability, with strong specific genetic (As: 57-77%) and environmental (Es: 24-43%) influences.
• Diastolic LV parameters were primarily determined by common genetic (Ac: 9-40%) and environmental (Ec: 11-49%) effects.
• No common genetic or environmental factors were shared between systolic and diastolic LV parameters.

Conclusions:

• LV systolic parameters are predominantly influenced by specific genetic factors and show no overlap with diastolic parameters.
• Diastolic LV function is mainly affected by common environmental influences, suggesting shared pathways for deterioration.
• Differentiating the genetic and environmental impacts on systolic and diastolic LV function aids in understanding heart failure subtypes.