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[Cardiac effects of GH]
S Fazio1, D Sabatini, A Cittadini
1Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi Federico II, Napoli.
Minerva Endocrinologica
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) excess in acromegaly increases heart wall thickness and mass, while GH deficiency shows impaired diastolic filling. These findings highlight cardiac remodeling in GH imbalances.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Physiology
Context:
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a crucial role in cardiovascular regulation.
- Acromegaly (excess GH) and GH deficiency have distinct physiological impacts.
- Non-invasive Doppler echocardiography is a valuable tool for assessing cardiac function.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cardiac effects of both excess and deficiency of growth hormone.
- To compare cardiac parameters in acromegalic and GH-deficient patients with normal subjects.
- To identify specific cardiac structural and functional changes associated with GH imbalances.
Summary:
- Acromegalic patients exhibited significantly increased right ventricular free wall thickness and augmented left ventricular mass index compared to controls.
- GH-deficient patients showed impaired left and right ventricular diastolic filling.
- Ejection phase indices remained normal in acromegalic patients, suggesting preserved systolic function despite structural changes.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the specific cardiac remodeling patterns in acromegaly and GH deficiency.
- Findings emphasize the importance of cardiac monitoring in patients with GH disorders.
- Understanding these effects can inform clinical management and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular complications.