Early detecting myocardial entity damage using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography through strain parameters in hypertensive patients

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in Vietnam is increasing consecutively. Hypertension is the cause of many complications in several vital systems such as the nervous system, kidney and, especially, the cardiovascular system. Recently, the 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) technique helped to assess subclinical changes in cardiac function when there was an abnormal tissue function without any changes in morphology and cardiac function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the early change in left ventricular systolic function by STE technique in hypertensive patients with and without heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Material and methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, STE technique was used to analyze left ventricular systolic strain in 151 hypertensive patients and 43 participants without cardiovascular disease as a control group. Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction was detected by echocardiographic strain parameters, especially global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results: GLS decreased in hypertensive patients without heart failure with preserved ejection fraction compared to the control group (–11.93 ± 2.21 vs. –16.52 ± 1.19). This reduction increased in hypertensive patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (–11.04 ± 2.5 vs. –16.52 ± 1.19). The threshold of the global longitudinal strain was –14.364. The rate of reduction in GLS in hypertensive patients without HFpEF was relatively high (93.3%). Conclusion: STE technique helps to detect subclinical changes in left ventricular systolic function with high sensitivity.