Echocardiographic Assessment of Centenary Patients

Abstract

Background: Echocardiography is a diagnostic tool capable of detecting different parameters with the potential to assist the cardiologists in patients management. Being aware of these parameters in centenary patients may lead to greater understanding of the health/disease process in this population. Objectives: To evaluate echocardiographic parameters in centenary patients, since no study covering such data in that group was found in the literature. Methods: Sixteen centenary patients with low state of dependence and weakness and no history of heart disease were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. Results: Diameters, areas, volumes and indexed left atrial volumes were found to be increased by 31.25%, 50%, 68.75% and 87.5% of patients, respectively. Absolute and indexed left ventricular diastolic diameters were found to be increased by 6.25% and 68.75%, respectively. Absolute and indexed left ventricular mass was increased by 37.5% and 75% of elderly patients. The study found that 62.5% of individuals presented a pattern of eccentric hypertrophy. Deficit of segmental contractility occurred in 31.25% of the sample. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure above 40 mm Hg occurred in 61.5% of patients. Conclusion: Increased dimensions of left chambers and left ventricular mass especially when quantified by body surface point out to the need for indexing the values in these individuals. The presence of segmental deficit in 31.25% of patients suggests that silent ischemia is relatively common in centenarians. Pulmonary hypertension in 61.5% of patients without elevated pulmonary capillary pressure leads to suspected undiagnosed lung disease. (Arq Bras Cardiol: Imagem cardiovasc. 2015; 28(1):25-29)