Related Experiment Videos
Left ventricular mass index and coronary artery disease in hypertensive black males
F C Robinson1, K Satterwhite, C Potter
1Department of Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC 20060.
Insights
Hypertension significantly increases left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and repolarization abnormalities in black men. Left ventricular mass index predicts coronary disease severity, independent of other risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nuclear Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common complication of hypertension.
- The relationship between hypertension, LVH, and myocardial perfusion abnormalities requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of LVH and repolarization abnormalities in black male hypertensives using Thallium-201 stress scintigraphy (TSS) and echocardiography.
- To compare these findings with sex-, race-, and age-matched controls.
- To assess the predictive value of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) for coronary disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Sixty black male hypertensives and 60 matched controls underwent TSS and echocardiography.
- Prevalence of LVH with repolarization abnormality was assessed.
- Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was determined echocardiographically.
- TSS was analyzed for perfusion defects (fixed and reversible).
Main Results:
- Hypertensive group showed a higher prevalence of LVH with repolarization abnormality (53% vs. 17%, P < .05).
- Mean LVMI was significantly higher in hypertensives (147 +/- 57 vs. 124 +/- 34, P < .001).
- LVMI was predictive of coronary disease severity, independent of standard risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension is associated with a significantly higher prevalence of LVH and repolarization abnormalities in black men.
- LVMI is a valuable predictor of coronary artery disease severity in hypertensive individuals.
- TSS and echocardiography are crucial tools for evaluating hypertensive heart disease.
Abstract:
Thallium-201 stress scintigraphy (TSS) and echocardiography were performed on 60 consecutive black male hypertensives and compared to 60 sex-, race-, and age-matched controls. We found a higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy with repolarization abnormality in the hypertensive group; 32 of 60 (53%), compared to 10 of 60 (17%) of the controls, P < .05. Echocardiographically determined left ventricular mass index revealed a significantly higher mean value in the hypertensive group of 147 +/- 57 compared to 124 +/- 34 in the control group, P < .001. Thirty-one of 60 (52%) of the hypertensive group had a normal TSS compared to 22 of 60 (37%) of the controls. A total of 68 (38 fixed and 30 reversible) perfusion defects were noted in the hypertensive group compared to 74 (55 fixed and 19 reversible) in the controls. The severity of clinical syndromes associated with myocardial ischemia were noted in increased incidence in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular mass index was noted to be predictive of severity of coronary disease independent of the standard risk factors.