Clinical Correlation of Left Ventricular Geometric Patterns at King Abdulaziz Hospital Al-Ahsa Eastern Province

Abstract

Objective: Exploring the prevalence of alteration in left ventricular (LV) geometry by echocardiography and their correlation with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Background: Alterations in LV geometry, by echocardiography, is an important prognostic determinant of CVD morbidity and mortality. Yet it is an underutilized tool and has yet to be established in laboratories. Methods: Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) were calculated by M-mode echocardiography. Patients were classified into four groups based on RWT and LVMI: normal geometry, concentric remodeling (CR), eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (eLVH), and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (cLVH). Results: LV geometry patterns revealed normal geometry prevalence (43.46%), followed by CR (30.76%). The commonest CV risk factor was hypertension (HTN) (85%), followed by diabetes mellitus (DM) (72%). A strong association was identified between CVD and LV geometry changes (p-value < 0.005). CVD prevalence among total patients was 66.5% within this group; coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence was 55.5% (p-value < 0.029), and heart failure (HF) prevalence was 29.6% (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: We strongly reinforce routine echocardiograms in determining LVM, RWT, and LV geometry patterns. It is an important, underutilized diagnostic and prognostic tool in risk stratification of patients with CVD and altered LV geometry and mass. Future studies for incorporating LVM and RWT in clinical decision algorithms are warranted.