Effect of ambulatory blood pressure circadian rhythm on left ventricular myocardial systolic function in hypertensive patients by tri-plane strain rate

Abstract

Objective To figure out the preliminary clinical value of ambulatory blood pressure circadian rhythm on left ventricular myocardial systolic function in essential hypertensive patients by tri-plane (longitudinal, radial and circumferential) endocardial systolic strain rate (SRs). Methods Thirty healthy people were selected as control group and sixty-three essential hypertensive (EH) patients with regular treatment and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF>55%) were enrolled as the study group. And the essential hypertensive patients were divided into EH dippers group (n=33) and EH non-dippers group (n=30) according to the result of ambulatory blood pressure. Three groups underwent echocardiography. All parameters were compared among the groups. Results There was no statistically significant difference in 24 hours and day-time average systolic and diastolic pressure between the EH dipper group and the EH non-dipper group (P>0.05). But the night-time average systolic and diastolic pressure were higher in EH non-dipper group than those in the EH dipper group (P 0.05). Conclusions Tri-plane (longitudinal, radial, circumferential) endocardial SRs is a useful parameter for quantitatively assessing the left ventricular systolic function in EH patients. For the EH patients, it is necessary to pay early attention to the normal blood pressure circadian rhythm in addition to the control of blood pressure level. It will have great clinical value to prevent the target organ from damaging and reduce the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Key words: Essential hypertension; Circadian variation of blood pressure; Tri-plane strain rate; Echocardiography; Left ventricle systolic function