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Age-associated changes in left ventricular outflow tract geometry in normal subjects
C J Swinne1, E P Shapiro, J Jamart
1Division of Geriatrics, Mont-Godinre Academic Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
As people age, the angle of the left ventricular outflow tract changes, with a more acute angle and bulging septum becoming common. These age-associated geometric changes did not significantly impact resting outflow tract velocity or left ventricular mass.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Cardiac Anatomy
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- The geometry of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) is crucial for normal cardiac function.
- Age-related changes in cardiovascular structures are well-documented, but specific LVOT geometric alterations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-associated modifications in the geometric configuration of the left ventricular outflow tract.
- To determine the impact of these geometric changes on resting hemodynamic parameters.
Main Methods:
- Doppler echocardiography was employed to assess LVOT geometry in a cohort of healthy individuals.
- Measurements included the angle between the interventricular septum and aortic root, and the prevalence of septal bulging.
Main Results:
- Advancing age correlated with a more acute angle between the interventricular septum and the aortic root.
- A discrete bulging of the proximal septum was observed more frequently in older subjects.
- Neither the altered angle nor the septal bulging significantly affected resting outflow tract velocity or left ventricular mass.
Conclusions:
- Age-related geometric changes in the left ventricular outflow tract, including septal angulation and bulging, occur in normal individuals.
- These specific geometric alterations do not appear to significantly influence resting outflow tract velocity or left ventricular mass in the absence of other pathology.