Relationship between Left Ventricular Mass and Echocardiographic Parameters in Hypertensive Patients

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Abstract

Background: In hypertensive patients, the new tools incorporated in the echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function allow the detection of left atrial changes before abnormalities of the traditional parameters develop.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact greater ventricular mass has on atrial strain and other parameters of ventricular dysfunction in hypertensive patients.
Methods: Sixty hypertensive patients were analyzed and divided in two groups according to left ventricular mass index, using a cutoff point of 132 g/m2 in men an 109 g/m2 in women. The traditional measurements were recorded as well as tissue Doppler imaging, left atrial volume and left ventricular mass index. Left ventricular longitudinal strain and left atrial strain during the reservoir period were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software using Student’s t test. A p value <5 was statistically significant.
Results: Hypertensive patients with greater left ventricular mass index had a significant reduction of left atrial strain (28.35±8.44 vs. 35.83±9.33; p=0.019; 95% CI, 1.38-13.58) and higher left atrial volume (35.97±9.48 vs. 30.32±7.54; p=0.037; 95% CI, 0.34-10.95).
Conclusion: In this study, the greater increase of left ventricular mass index was accompanied by a significant reduction of left atrial strain and a significant increase of left atrial volume.