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Published on: February 20, 2017
Association Between Size of Left Ventricle and Long-Term Cardiovascular Events
Yun-Jiu Cheng1, Zi-Li Liao1, Li-Juan Liu2,3
1Department of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University Guangzhou China.
Insights
Small left ventricle (LV) size is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk, including heart attack and stroke. This finding suggests LV size is an important prognostic marker for heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Public Health
Background:
- The prognostic significance of small left ventricle (LV) size and its link to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not well understood in the general population.
- Existing research has not clearly defined the association between LV dimensions and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic value of small left ventricle (LV) size in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- To determine the association between LV end-diastolic volume index and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from 39,363 participants who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.
- Categorized participants into small, normal, and large LV groups based on LV end-diastolic volume index.
- Employed Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the relationship between LV size and composite cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Results:
- A small LV was associated with increased risk of MACE (HR 1.24), coronary heart disease (HR 1.29), ischemic stroke (HR 1.53), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.33).
- A U-shaped relationship was observed between LV end-diastolic volume index and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Small LV in men showed a significant correlation with adverse cardiovascular events, indicating potential for risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- Small LV size should be considered a significant prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for individuals with small LV.
- LV size assessment may enhance cardiovascular risk prediction and stratification strategies.
Background:
The prognostic significance of small left ventricle (LV) in the general population and its association with cardiovascular disease remain elusive.
Methods:
Using data from the UK Biobank, 39 363 participants underwent baseline cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and were categorized into 3 groups based on left ventricular end-diastolic volume index: small, normal, and large LV. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate the association between LV size and composite cardiovascular outcomes.
Results:
An elevated prevalence of small LV was observed among the 4305 participants, with a notable trend toward increased occurrence in older individuals. Over a median follow-up of 5.21 years, 1500 cases of major adverse cardiovascular events, 1096 coronary heart disease, 288 ischemic stroke, and 722 deaths from any cause occurred. After adjusting for multiple confounders, hazard ratios (HRs) of small LV comparing the normal LV were 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07-1.44) for major adverse cardiovascular events, 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09-1.53) for coronary heart disease, 1.53 (95% CI, 1.11-2.09) for ischemic stroke, and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.08-1.64) for death from all causes. Notably, a U-shaped relationship was identified between left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and cardiovascular outcomes. Subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with women, the presence of a small LV in men exhibited a significant correlation with adverse cardiovascular events, thereby demonstrating potential value in disease prediction and risk stratification.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the importance of considering small LV as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease and underscore the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.
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