Related Experiment Videos
[Effect of 3 hypertensive++ agents on ventricular geometry and function]
C Gómez Pajuelo1, M A Gómez Sánchez, R Marín Ruiz
1Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid.
Insights
Left ventricular hypertrophy is common in hypertensive patients. Antihypertensive treatments effectively reduced this condition, with different drugs impacting left ventricular geometry uniquely.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Assessing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) prevalence in hypertensive outpatients.
- Evaluating LVH changes during antihypertensive therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of LVH in hypertensive patients.
- To observe LVH regression under antihypertensive treatment.
Main Methods:
- 107 mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients randomized to xipamide, verapamil, or atenolol.
- Echocardiography used to measure left ventricular mass and function.
Main Results:
- LVH found in 65% of patients, decreasing to 54% with treatment.
- Left ventricular mass significantly reduced (p < 0.001).
- Different drugs affected ventricular geometry uniquely; systolic function unchanged, diastolic function improved with atenolol.
Conclusions:
- Echocardiography reveals high LVH prevalence in hypertensive patients.
- All tested antihypertensives induced LVH regression via distinct mechanisms.
- Drug-specific effects on cardiac geometry may have therapeutic relevance.
Background:
To assess the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients referred to an outpatient cardiology unit, and to assess its evolution under antihypertensive treatment.
Methods:
One hundred and seven mild to moderate hypertensive patients were randomized to receive either xipamide, verapamil or atenolol. Cross-sectional echocardiography was performed in order to assess left ventricular mass and function.
Results:
Mean age was 56 years, with a 4:1 female/male ratio. Mean follow-up was 120 days. Left ventricular hypertrophy was very common (65%) and decreased to 54% under antihypertensive treatment. Left ventricular mass decreased from 134.3 g/m2 to 118.1 g/m2 (p < 0.001). Concentric hypertrophy was the most common geometric pattern (42%), decreasing to 30% with treatment. Xipamide decreased ventricular mass by decreasing left ventricular diameters, while verapamil and atenolol decreased left ventricular thickness, mainly in septal wall. Systolic function was not modified during the treatment period. Diastolic function was not modified by xipamide and verapamil, and improved with atenolol.
Conclusions:
Left ventricular hypertrophy is very frequent when determined by echocardiography and all three drugs produced regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in a different way with respect to left ventricle geometry, an effect which could have potential therapeutic implications.