Study of Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Cirrhosis and Its Correlation With Severity at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Bijaya K Behera1, Romanchit Upadhyaya2, Manasi Das3

  • 1Medicine, Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, IND.

Cureus
|June 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular dysfunction, especially diastolic dysfunction, is common in liver cirrhosis patients and worsens with disease severity. Early cardiac assessment is recommended for better management of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Cirrhosis leads to systemic circulatory and cardiovascular changes, termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
  • These changes can be silent but worsen with advanced liver disease.
  • Cardiovascular dysfunction is a significant complication in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cardiovascular dysfunction in liver cirrhosis patients.
  • To determine the relationship between cardiovascular dysfunction and liver disease severity.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 103 liver cirrhosis patients was conducted.
  • Evaluations included echocardiography, laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), and clinical examinations.
  • Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification assessed cirrhosis severity; left ventricular ejection fraction measured cardiac function.

Main Results:

  • Diastolic dysfunction was the most common cardiac abnormality, increasing with CTP class (p < 0.05).
  • Systolic dysfunction was less frequent, with most patients showing preserved ejection fraction.
  • ECG abnormalities like QT prolongation were noted; alcohol's contribution to cardiac issues was considered.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular dysfunction, particularly diastolic dysfunction, is prevalent in cirrhosis and correlates with disease severity.
  • Alcohol-related cirrhosis may influence cardiac findings.
  • Routine cardiovascular assessment is crucial for early detection and improved management of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Abstract

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