Changes In Diastolic Function Research Articles

Left ventricular functional, structural and energetic effects of normal aging: Comparison with hypertension.

ObjectivesBoth aging and hypertension are significant risk factors for heart failure in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to determine how aging, with and without hypertension, affects left ventricular function.MethodsCross-sectional study of magnetic resonance imaging and 31P spectroscopy-based measurements of left ventricular structure, global function, strains, pulse wave velocity, high energy phosphate metabolism in 48 normal subjects and 40 treated hypertensive patients (though no other cardiovascular disease or diabetes) stratified into 3 age deciles from 50–79 years.ResultsNormal aging was associated with significant increases in systolic blood pressure, vascular stiffness, torsion, and impaired diastolic function (all P<0.05). Age-matched hypertension exacerbated the effects of aging on systolic pressure, and diastolic function. Hypertension alone, and not aging, was associated with increased left ventricular mass index, reduced energetic reserve, reduced longitudinal shortening and increased endocardial circumferential shortening (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that these unique hypertensive features were significantly related to systolic blood pressure (P<0.05).Conclusions1) Hypertension adds to the age-related changes in systolic blood pressure and diastolic function; 2) hypertension is uniquely associated with changes in several aspects of left ventricular structure, function, systolic strains, and energetics; and 3) these uniquely hypertensive-associated parameters are related to the level of systolic blood pressure and so are potentially modifiable.

Diastolic Function Changes during Stress Echocardiography in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract Background: Some hypertensive patients experience dyspnea with exercise due to rise in filling pressures. So, exercise is helpful to determine left ventricular filling tension. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of dobutamine stress echocardiography on diastolic function in hypertensive patients with normal ejection fraction. Methods: In this study, 30 hypertensive patients (52.7  3.6 years) and 30 sex and age matched healthy controls (50.8  7.6 years) were examined. Exclusion criteria were patients with coronary artery disease, significant valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF (ejection fraction) < 50%), atrial fibrillation and bad echogenic view. We performed complete echocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography with pulsed wave Doppler tissue imaging at rest and during peak stress to measure primary mitral inflow diastolic wave rate (E), late mitral inflow diastolic wave rate (A), E/A ratio, primary diastolic myocardial wave rate (E0) and late diastolic myocardial wave velocity (A’). Results: At rest, E’ was significantly lower in patients than controls (8.21.6 vs 14.72.6 P value< 0.001) and E/E (early mitral inflow diastolic wave rate/early myocardial diastolic wave rate) was significantly higher in patients (7.61.2 vs 4.81.0 P value

Anthracyclines induce early changes in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function: A single centre study.

Aims2 dimensional (2D) strain analysis detects subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate changes in LV systolic and diastolic function in breast cancer patients early after anthracycline chemotherapy, and to identify predisposing factors.Methods and results140 patients were assessed by detailed echocardiography before and within seven days post treatment. LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), strain rate and radial and circumferential strain were assessed. Additionally, left atrial volumes and LV diastolic parameters were evaluated. LVEF although reduced after treatment, remained within the normal range (60±3% vs. 59±3%, p = 0.04). Triplane GLS was significantly reduced after treatment (-20.0±1.6% vs. -19.1±1.8%, p<0.001). Subclinical LV dysfunction (>11% reduction in GLS compared to before therapy) occurred in 22% (29/135). Impaired diastolic function grade significantly increased from 46% to 57% (p<0.001) after treatment. Furthermore, diastolic dysfunction was more common in the subgroup group with reduced systolic GLS compared to those without changes in GLS (30% vs. 11%; p = 0.04). No risk factors or clinical parameters were associated with the development of subclinical LV dysfunction; however the percentage change in early diastolic strain rate and the E velocity were independent predictors of >11% reduction in GLS.ConclusionTwenty two percent of patients had subclinical LV dysfunction by GLS, whilst none had cardiotoxicity defined by LVEF, demonstrating that GLS is more sensitive for detection of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction immediately after anthracycline therapy. Diastolic dysfunction increased, particularly in the group with reduced GLS, demonstrating the close pathophysiological relationship between systolic and diastolic function.

Exercise training intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is associated with altered chemoreflex gain and sympathoexcitation in rats

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by cardiac dysfunction and autonomic imbalance. In HF, sympathoexcitation is strongly associated to altered chemoreflex drive. Exercise training (EX) has been demonstrated that normalizes autonomic control and chemoreflex function in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Indeed, in HFrEF patients EX improve survival. Importantly, this effect appears to be related to EX tolerance (EX‐T). In contrast to what is known in HFrEF, much less is known about the effects of EX in HFpEF and the mechanisms underpinning the EX‐T. Then, we determine i) EX tolerance/intolerance in experimental HFpEF and ii) whether EX intolerance is associated with heightened chemoreflex drive in HFpEF. HFpEF was induced by volume overload in male Sprague‐Dawley rats (250±20g). EX (60 min/day, 25 m/min, 10% inclination) was performed for 6 weeks. EX intolerance (CHF+EX‐inT) was defined as the incapacity to complete daily training session (&lt;50% total training time). Rats that accomplished total training sessions were defined as EX tolerant (CHF+EX‐T). Degree of HF was estimated by echocardiography and intraventricular pressure‐volume loops. Arrhythmia index was scored. Sympathetic drive was assessed by ΔHR following 1mg/kg propranolol i.v. infusion. Peripheral and central chemoreflex drive were study using hypoxic (HVR) and hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR), respectively. EX intolerance in CHF was ~40% and was independent of the degree of cardiac failure. Compared to sedentary HF rats (CHF‐sed), CHF+EX‐T rats showed a 1.5‐fold improvement in cardiac systolic function without changes in diastolic function. In addition, a significant decrease in the number of arrhythmias (43±33 vs. 196±85, events/hr, CHF+EX‐T vs. CHF‐sed, respectively) and sympathetic drive (−61.3±10.1 vs. −90.0±13.1 bpm, ΔHR, CHF+EX‐T vs. CHF‐Sed, respectively) were found in CHF+EX‐T rats. In contrast, EX severely compromises diastolic dysfunction in CHF+EX‐inT rats (289.5±21.3 vs. 237.8±6.5 μl V0, CHF+EX‐inT vs. CHF‐Sed, respectively). No effects of EX on systolic function, cardiac arrhythmias and sympathetic drive were found in CHF+EX‐inT. In addition, we found that EX normalized the HVR only in CHF+EX‐T rats but not in CHF+EX‐inT rats. Indeed, we found that EX induced a 1.5‐fold increase in HVR in CHF+EX‐inT animals compared to CHF‐Sed animals (respiratory frequency: 232.3±19.8 vs. 152.5±5.2 %bas, CHF+EX‐inT vs. CHF‐Sed, respectively). No effects of EX on HCVR was found in CHF+EX‐T and CHF+EX‐inT vs. CHF+Sed. Importantly, we found that acute hypoxic exposure (FiO2 10%) induced severe lethal cardiac arrhythmias in CHF+EX‐inT rats (~60% survival) but not in CHF+EX‐T rats. CHF‐sed nor CHF+EX‐T groups exhibited mortality events during hypoxia. Our results showed that EX in CHF+EX‐T rats improves cardiac function, arrhythmia incidence and sympathetic drive. In contrast, EX in CHF+EX‐inT rats results in a further deterioration of cardiac function and an increased peripheral chemoreflex drive. Importantly, life‐threating cardiac arrhythmic events triggered by hypoxic exposure lead to sudden death in CHF+EX‐inT rats.Support or Funding InformationFONDECYT 1140275 and 1150040

Five-year changes in cardiac structure and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with the general population

BackgroundPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The development and progression of left ventricular dysfunction before onset of clinical heart failure are unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in cardiac structure and function of patients with RA compared with persons in the general population. MethodsA prospective longitudinal study of a population-based cohort of 160 patients with RA and a population-based cohort of 1391 persons without RA (non-RA cohort) was performed. Each participant underwent 2-dimensional, pulsed-wave tissue Doppler echocardiography at baseline and after 4 to 5years of follow-up. Age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models were used to test for differences between the RA and non-RA cohorts in annualized rates of change for echocardiographic parameters. ResultsMitral A velocity increased more rapidly among the patients with RA than the non-RA cohort (age- and sex-adjusted parameter estimate, 0.030; P<0.001). Correspondingly, the mean mitral inflow E/A ratio decreased faster in the RA cohort than the non-RA cohort (adjusted parameter estimate, −0.096; P<0.001). The left atrial volume index increased at a higher rate in the RA cohort than the non-RA cohort (adjusted parameter estimate, 0.150; P<0.001). ConclusionsThis pattern of echocardiographic findings confirms previous cross-sectional studies and indicates that subclinical changes in diastolic function occur more rapidly over 5years in RA patients than in the general population. Further research into the mechanisms of myocardial disease in these patients and the relationship with disease activity and treatment is warranted.

Longitudinal Changes in LV Structure and Diastolic Function in Relation to Arterial Properties in General Population

ObjectivesWe assessed to what extent arterial properties measured at baseline and follow-up predict longitudinal alterations in echocardiographic indexes reflecting left ventricular (LV) structure and function. BackgroundSerial imaging studies are needed to clarify the relation of changes in LV structure and function to arterial stiffness. MethodsIn 607 participants (50.7% women; mean age 50.7 years), using echocardiography and Doppler imaging, we measured LV dimensions, transmitral blood flow, and mitral annular tissue velocities at baseline and after 4.7 years. Using applanation tonometry, we assessed central pulse pressure (cPP) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) at baseline. We regressed longitudinal changes in LV indexes on the arterial stiffness parameters and reported standardized effect sizes as a fraction of SD of LV change. ResultsAfter full adjustment, longitudinal increase in LV septal (standardized effect size: +14.4%; p = 0.0018) and posterior wall (+12.6%; p = 0.0027) thickness was associated with higher baseline PWV, whereas LV internal diameter (-12.4%; p = 0.012) decreased during follow-up with PWV. Consequently, greater increase in relative wall thickness was associated with higher baseline PWV (+17.2%; p <0.0001). Participants with higher baseline PWV had a greater risk to develop or retain LV concentric remodeling during follow-up (odds ratio 1.35; p = 0.028). In addition, in women, baseline cPP predicted a greater increase in LV mass (+22.8%; p = 0.0009) and E/e′ ratio (+36.1%; p <0.0001). ConclusionsProgression to LV concentric remodeling pattern was associated with higher baseline PWV. In women, cPP predicted worsening of LV diastolic function. Our study highlights the importance of arterial properties as mediator of LV concentric remodeling in men and women, and diastolic dysfunction in women.

Diastolic function deterioration in type 2 diabetes mellitus: predictive factors over a 3-year follow-up

Diastolic dysfunction is frequent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and associated with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to describe diastolic function changes over time in DM2 patients and to identify predictive factors of diastolic function deterioration. Diastolic function was assessed by echocardiography according to the EACVI/ASE recommendations at baseline and 3-year follow-up in a prospective cohort of 310 DM2 patients without overt heart disease. Predictors of diastolic function deterioration were identified using logistic regression analysis. During the 3-year follow-up, prevalence of diastolic dysfunction increased from 49% to 67% (P = 0.001). Only 32% of the patients had a normal diastolic function both at baseline and 3 years and 27% of the patients presented diastolic function deterioration. At multivariable analysis, age (OR = 1.05 [1.01-1.09], P < 0.01), retinopathy (OR = 2.00 [1.10-3.63], P = 0.02), and increase in systolic blood pressure during follow-up (OR = 1.03 [1.01-1.04], P < 0.01) were predictive of diastolic function deterioration. Age, retinopathy, and increase in blood pressure over time are associated with an increased risk of diastolic function deterioration in DM2 patients. The presence of these co-factors might help to early identify patients at risk of heart failure.

Contemporary Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Although age-associated changes in left ventricular diastolic function are well recognized, limited data exist characterizing measures of diastolic function in older adults, including both reference ranges reflecting the older adult population and prognostically relevant values for incident heart failure (HF), as well as their associations with circulating biomarkers of HF risk. Among 5801 elderly participants in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities; age range, 67-90 years; mean age, 76±5 years; 42% male; 21% black), we determined the continuous association of diastolic measures (tissue Doppler imaging [TDI] e', E/e', and left atrial size) with concomitant N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and subsequent HF hospitalization or death. We also determined sex-specific 10th and 90th percentile limits for these measures using quantile regression in 401 participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Each measure of diastolic function was robustly associated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and incident HF or death. ARIC-based reference limits for TDI e' (4.6 and 5.2 cm/s for septal and lateral TDI e', respectively) were substantially lower than guideline cut points (7 and 10 cm/s, respectively), whereas E/e' and left atrial size demonstrated good agreement with guideline cut points. TDI e' was nonlinearly associated with incident HF or death, with inflection points for risk supportive of ARIC-based limits. ARIC-based limits for diastolic function improved risk discrimination over guideline-based cut points based on the integrated discrimination improvement (P<0.001) and continuous net reclassification improvement (P<0.001), reclassifying 42% of the study population as having normal diastolic function. We replicate these findings in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. With these limits, 46% had normal diastolic function and were at low risk of HF hospitalization or death (1%/y over a mean 1.7-year follow-up), 49% had 1 or 2 abnormal measures and were at intermediate risk (2.4%/y), and all 3 diastolic measures were abnormal in 5% who were at high risk (7.5%/y). Our findings suggest that left ventricular longitudinal relaxation velocity declines as a part of healthy aging and is largely prognostically benign. The use of age-based normative values when considering an elderly population improves the risk discrimination of diastolic measures for incident HF or death.

Late cardiac effect of anthracycline therapy in physically active breast cancer survivors - a prospective study.

The late-onset cardiotoxic effect of anthracycline is known, however the early detection and prevention of subclinical myocardial damage has not been fully understood yet. Besides medical therapy regular physical activities may also play a role in the prevention and reduction of side effects of chemotherapy. The aim of our present study was to detect the effect of regular physical activities on the diastolic function and on the symptoms of late heart failure in case of anthracycline chemotherapy. The prospective study included 55 female patients (age 31-65 year, average 49.5 years) with breast cancer and no cardiovascular risk factors. Proper cardiologic checkup included physical examination (blood pressure, pulse, etc.), ECG, standard echocardiography parameters (EF, LV dimensions etc.) and specific tissue Doppler (TDI) measurements. Symptoms of heart failure were also recorded. After five years of follow-up, symptoms of heart failure were evaluated again. Patients were assigned into two groups depending on their physical activity: 36 patients did perform regular physical activities (mean age 49.2 years) and 19 patients did not (average age 50.1 years). There was no significant difference between the two groups in basic physiological or standard echocardiography parameters neither at the baseline nor at the later time points. Diastolic dysfunction (decreased E/A) was detected 6 months after the beginning of the treatment (T2 time point) in both groups. In the inactive group this value fell below one however there was no significant difference (1.1±0.25 vs. 0.95±0.22). One year after the beginning of the treatment (T3) a significant difference could be detected between the two groups (1.05±0.28 vs. 0.86±0.25. P=0.038). Consistent change in diastolic function (Ea/Aa) could be detected with the more sensitive TDI (Tissue Doppler Imaging) measurements after treatments in both groups, especially in the septal segment (in the non active group the Ea/Aa decreased markedly but not significantly at T2 - 1.1±0.55 vs. 0.81±0.44, and this difference became significant at T3 and 2 years after treatment (T4), p=0.007 and p=0.065). The filling pressure (E/Ea) rose above 10 (p=0.09) in the non active group at T2; and it kept rising in both groups and became significant at T3 (p=0.012). Five years after the onset of the treatment symptoms of heart failure were less frequently reported in the physically active group than in the inactive one (19.45% vs. 68.42%). The data of our study show that the diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle related to the anthracycline therapy became evident in the physically active group later and the symptoms of heart failure were less frequent than in the non active group after five years period. Enrollment in sport activities could be a good means for partial prevention in this group of patients. Cardiologic checkup at proper intervals plays a pivotal role in detection of possible cardiotoxicity. This is a strong indication for changes in the lifestyle of the patient and the treatment protocol alike.

Stress-induced Worsening of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function as a Marker of Myocardial Ischemia.

Background:Echocardiography has been the subject of interest in diagnosing diastolic dysfunction and estimating left ventricular filling pressures (LVFPs). The present study is set to estimate the correlation between the worsening of diastolic parameters and the evidence of inducible ischemia during an exercise stress echocardiography (SE) in comparison with the results of coronary computed tomographic angiogram (CCTA).Methods:A total of 191 consecutive patients from the executive screening program who underwent exercise SE followed by CCTA were evaluated. Baseline demographics, heart rate, and blood pressure measurements were extracted for analysis. Standard two-dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging parameters were analyzed. Diastolic function was graded at rest and peak exercise.Results:Patients who had worsening of diastolic function by at least one grade had had 2–3-fold higher odds of having abnormal SE. In addition, patients with worsening of diastolic function had higher stress LVFPs (E/e’ = 11.7 ± 2.7 vs. E/e’ 8.0 ± 2.0; P < 0.0001), more E/e’ change >25% (48% vs. 22%, P = 0.012), and were more likely to have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on CCTA (23.8% vs. 9.2%; P = 0.045). A change in E/e’ >25% (stress-rest) was highly associated with a positive stress test and abnormal CCTA result. Patients with no change or improvement in diastolic function with stress had a 92% negative predictive value of having normal SE and 91% of normal/nonobstructive CCTA.Conclusion:A worsening of diastolic function and a change in E/e’ >25% (stress-rest) were associated with abnormal SE, positive stress test, and obstructive CAD when compared to CCTA results.

Could the Size of Ductus Arteriosus be an Independent Predictor for the changes in Left Ventricular Function Post Percutaneous closure! Evaluation by Tissue Doppler and Speckle-derived Strain Rate Echocardiography

Aim: Evaluate the changes of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in children after percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and to correlate these changes in relation to the size of the ductus. Methods: 30 children provisional diagnosed with PDA and planned for percutaneous trans-catheter PDA closure. Conventional 2D, Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckled-derived strain rate echocardiography were obtained pre-closure, early (I day), and late (1 month) post-PDA closure. Results: Mean age was 26.0 ± 32.17 months (9 male and 21female). The mean PDA diameter was 3.11 ± 1.09 mm. Ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS)significant reduced in the day after PDA closure compared with pre closure status (P<0.05), then improved significantly after one month compared with early post- closure measures(p<0.05),but no significant change when compared with pre-closure measure, (P>0.05). There is a negative correlation between the PDA size and changes in left ventricular diastolic dimensions, EF and FS early after PDA closure. Significant reduction in both early and late mitral diastolic flow velocities (EM and AM) after PDA closure (both one day and one month) ,early tissue Doppler velocity of lateral mitral annulus (E`lateral) significant decrease early after PDA closure(P<0.05), but one month after closure E` lateral significantly increased.(P=0.03), EM/E` lateral had a significant reduction in one month after closure compared with pre-closure and early post–closure (P=0.001). There was a significant decrease in global and regional longitudinal strain at early after PDA closure (P=0.001), although there was a significant improvement in all measures in the subsequent one month after closure. Conclusion: Size of PDA considered as an independent predictor for the acute decrease in left ventricular function early after PDA closure which recovers completely within one month.

The evolution of diastolic function during liver transplantation

IntroductionThe peroperative management of liver transplantation is still associated with many cardiocirculatory complications in which diastolic dysfunction may play a contributive role. Transoesophageal echocardiography is a monitoring device commonly used in liver transplantation allowing diastolic function assessment. MethodsWe prospectively analysed the peroperative transoesophageal echocardiography recordings of 40 patients undergoing liver transplantation in order to describe changes in diastolic function at different steps of the surgery. The diastolic function marker we used was the lateral mitral annulus motion (E’ wave velocity) obtained by tissue-Doppler imaging. In addition, we also studied the left ventricular filling pressure indices and systolic function. ResultsAs a whole, there was no global change in E’ wave velocity throughout the surgery. However, 11 patients (27.5%) presented a decrease in E’ wave velocity up to 15% that identified an occurrence of diastolic function alteration. In this group, other peroperative data were not different from other patients (amount of bleeding, fluid administration or vasopressive support). Conversely, this group experienced lower preoperative E’ wave velocity values (9cm·s−1 versus 12cm·s−1, P=0.05) and an increased incidence of postoperative cardiorespiratory complications (OR=6 [1–56], P=0.02). Considering all patients, 18 patients had an E’ wave velocity under 10cm·s−1 at unclamping, characterizing a diastolic dysfunction according to the usual criteria. This dysfunction was not associated with cardiorespiratory complications. ConclusionThis work investigated peroperative systematic echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function during liver transplantation. Diastolic dysfunction occurs frequently during liver transplantation and could lead to postoperative cardiorespiratory complications.

Myocardial tissue deformation is reduced in subjects with coronary microvascular dysfunction but not rescued by treatment with ranolazine.

Patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) often have diastolic dysfunction, representing an important therapeutic target. Ranolazine-a late sodium current inhibitor-improves diastolic function in animal models and subjects with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that ranolazine would beneficially alter diastolic function in CMD. To test this hypothesis, we performed retrospective tissue tracking analysis to evaluate systolic/diastolic strain, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging cine images acquired in a recently completed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of short-term ranolazine in subjects with CMD and from 43 healthy reference controls. Diastolic strain rate was impaired in CMD vs controls (circumferential diastolic strain rate: 99.9% ± 2.5%/s vs 120.1% ± 4.0%/s, P = 0.0003; radial diastolic strain rate: -199.5% ± 5.5%/s vs -243.1% ± 9.6%/s, P = 0.0008, case vs control). Moreover, peak systolic circumferential strain (CS) and radial strain (RS) were also impaired in cases vs controls (CS: -18.8% ± 0.3% vs -20.7% ± 0.3%; RS: 35.8% ± 0.7% vs 41.4% ± 0.9%; respectively; both P < 0.0001), despite similar and preserved ejection fraction. In contrast to our hypothesis, however, we observed no significant changes in left ventricular diastolic function in CMD cases after 2 weeks of ranolazine vs placebo. The case-control comparison both confirms and extends our prior observations of diastolic dysfunction in CMD. That CMD cases were also found to have subclinical systolic dysfunction is a novel finding, highlighting the utility of this retrospective approach. In contrast to previous studies in obstructive CAD, ranolazine did not improve diastolic function in CMD.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction following early and late reperfusion by coronary intervention

BackgroundThis study prospectively assessed the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function changes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and determined if the early revascularization of the infarct-related coronary artery in acute phase achieve a better recovery of diastolic function than late recanalization. MethodsForty-five consecutive patients (61.20±11.37years, 8 females) presenting with STEMI and treated with PCI were prospectively enrolled in this study. The important inclusion criteria were first acute coronary syndrome episode and LV ejection fraction exceeded 45%. The patients were divided to two different groups by total ischemia time (TIT): early reperfusion (TIT<6h) and late reperfusion group (TIT≥6h). Transthoracic echocardiography were performed within the first week after PCI, and data were compared between groups. Evaluation of diastolic function was based on integrated assessment of trans-mitral Doppler flow pattern, tissue Doppler, and color M-mode ECT. ResultsA normal diastolic filling pattern was seen in only 9 patients, and the other 80% patients had abnormal filling patterns: 16 impaired relaxation, 14 pseudonormal, and 6 restrictive filling patterns. The e′septal velocity was lower in early reperfusion group compared to late reperfusion group (5.52±1.67cm/s vs 7.11±2.14cm/s, P<0.05), but no statistical difference was found in E/e′ average (11.99±4.30 vs 9.85±3.47, P>0.05). There was also no statistical difference for left atrial volume index and mitral annulus propagation velocity between groups. ConclusionsLV diastolic dysfunction was present in most of acute MI patients even after successful PCI. It seemed STEMI patients receiving early myocardial reperfusion had no better diastolic functions compared with late-reperfused patients within the acute phase.

Estrogen variation during the menstrual cycle does not influence left ventricular diastolic function and untwisting rate in premenopausal women

BackgroundAlthough a cardioprotective effect of estrogen has been suggested by experimental studies, clinical data on the influence of estrogen on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function are sparse. The LV untwisting rate obtained by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is correlated with the time constant of LV pressure decay (tau), and this correlation is independent of left atrial pressure. Therefore, we used conventional Doppler echocardiography and 2D-STE to investigate changes in LV diastolic function during a single menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. MethodsTwenty healthy premenopausal woman (mean age, 28.1±2.7 years) were enrolled. Clinical and echocardiographic data were obtained during the follicular phase (F-phase) and luteal phase (L-phase) of a single menstrual cycle. We compared the clinical and echocardiographic data, and estrogen levels between the two phases. ResultsThere were no significant differences in LV diastolic parameters derived from Doppler echocardiography (E/A, p=0.295; E/e′, p=0.449, DcT, p=0.178) or 2D-STE (peak untwisting rate, p=0.892; time-to-peak untwisting, p=0.951) between the two phases of the menstrual cycle. However, there was a significant decrease in estrogen levels between the F- and L-phases (177±119pg/ml vs. 35±12pg/ml, p<0.0001). ConclusionsLV diastolic function in healthy premenopausal women did not significantly change during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen does not appear to have a significant acute effect on LV diastolic function in premenopausal woman.

Haemodialysis acutely deteriorates left and right diastolic function and myocardial performance: an effect related to high ultrafiltration volumes?

The effect of acute preload reduction during haemodialysis on left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) function is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate acute changes in novel echocardiographic and tissue Doppler-derived indices of LV and RV function during the first and a standard weekly dialysis session and to examine the possible effect of acute intradialytic volume changes in LV and RV diastolic function and pulmonary circulation loading. Forty-one adult patients receiving standard thrice-weekly haemodialysis participated in this study. Two-dimensional echocardiographic and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) studies were performed with a standard cardiac ultrasound device (Vivid 7 or Vivid e, GE, Horton, Norway) shortly before and after the first weekly and a standard dialysis session. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to assess the effect of volume changes on peak early mitral (E) and tricuspid (E RV) velocities changes. Significant reductions from pre- to post-haemodialysis were noted in body weight and systolic blood pressure. Post-haemodialysis left and right atrial, LV and RV sizing echocardiographic parameters were lower. LV systolic function, represented by LV ejection fraction, cardiac output and mean peak systolic LV and RV velocities at the annulus level, was unchanged. Diastolic function indices such as E (first session: 0.96 ± 0.28 versus 0.75 ± 0.27 m/s, P < 0.001; standard session: 0.89 ± 0.24 versus 0.78 ± 0.29, P < 0.001) and E RV (first session: 0.89 ± 0.26 versus 0.67 ± 0.25 m/s, P < 0.001; standard session: 0.86 ± 0.24 versus 0.77 ± 0.31, P < 0.001), E/A LV ratio, TDI peak early mitral (E') velocity and E'/A' RV ratio were reduced after haemodialysis. Pulmonary circulation loading, represented by RV systolic pressure, was significantly improved. In multiple regression model analysis, intradialytic weight loss was independently associated with changes in E [β = 0.042 (95% CI 0.018-0.066)] and E RV [β = 0.084 (95% CI 0.057-0.110)]. This study shows that haemodialysis deteriorates cardiac diastolic function indices and improves pulmonary circulation loading, while systolic function remains unchanged. High intradialytic volume removal may affect cardiac diastolic function.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Echocardiographic Studies

Objective: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a common cardiac condition in obese individuals. An updated review and meta-analysis focusing on this issue is lacking, we analyzed the literatures in order to conduct comprehensive information on the left ventricular diastolic function changes, as assessed by echocardiography, associated to obesity. Methods: A literature search using the keywords 'left ventricular diastolic dysfunction', 'diastolic dysfunction', 'obesity', 'obese' 'body mass index' and 'echocardiography' was performed in order to identify relevant papers. Full articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals in past 20 years reporting studies in adult obese individuals were considered. Results: A total of 11 studies including 5171 participants (2764 adults are obese patients) were considered. Obesity was defined as a BMI of ≥30kg/m2.Meta-analysis of selected 11 studies (2764 obesity subjects and 2407 normal weight) found that there is no difference of peak late diastolic mitral flow velocity (A) and deceleration time of early diastolic flow wave (DT) between the two groups, while other related parameters such as peak late diastolic mitral flow velocity (A) and E/A ratio, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), early diastolic myocardial velocities (E') and E/E' ratio are significant different between obese individuals and non-obese controls, the values of A, IVRT and E/E' were higher in obesity group compared with that of in control group, while the values of E/A ratio and E' were lower in obesity group. Conclusions: Our study shows that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is present in obese population, Body mass index was found as a significant predictor for DD.

JS ISH-ESH-2 UPDATE ON THE DETECTION AND FOLLOW-UP OF EARLY HYPERTENSIVE HEART DISEASE

JS ISH-ESH-2 UPDATE ON THE DETECTION AND FOLLOW-UP OF EARLY HYPERTENSIVE HEART DISEASE

Abstract P237: Is Ischemia/Reperfusion an Efficient Method for Producing Heart Failure in Rats?

Myocardium infarction (MI) elicited by coronary artery ligation (CAL) is commonly used to induce chronic heart failure (HF) in rats. However, CAL shows high mortality rates. Given that ischemia-reperfusion (IR) may cause the development of HF, this approach may be useful for obtaining a model of HF with low mortality rates. Therefore, it was compared the model of CAL vs. IR in rats, evaluating the mortality and cardiac morphological and functional aspects. The IR consisted of 30 minutes of cardiac ischemia. Wistar rats were assigned into three groups: CAL: n=18; IR: n=7; SHAM (fictitious IR): n=7. After four weeks of CAL, the subjects were evaluated by echocardiography and ventriculography as well. The statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA combined with Tukey’s posthoc test (p&lt;0.05). There were no deaths in the IR and SHAM groups, whereas in the CAL group the mortality rate was 33.33% (6 out of 18). In the CAL group echocardiography showed increased left ventricular (LV) cavity during systole (8.3 ± 1mm) and diastole (10.5 ± 1mm); decreased LV free wall during systole (1.4 ± 0.5 mm); increased left atrium/aorta (2.3 ± 0.4) ratio. These changes were not significant in IR (4.8 ± 0.5mm, 7.6 ± 0.6mm, 2.6 ± 0.3 mm, 1.6 ± 0.2) and SHAM (4.6 ± 0.6 mm, 7.7 ± 0.8mm, 2.8 ± 0.4mm, 1.5 ± 0.2) groups. There was also the reduction in the ejection fraction in the CAL group (41 ± 12 %) when compared with IR (65 ± 9%) and SHAM (69 ± 7%) groups. The tissue Doppler analysis from the lateral mitral annulus showed reduction in E′ in CAL (-29 ± 8 mm/s) and IR (-31± 9 mm/s) groups when compared with the SHAM (-48 ± 11 mm/s) group. The ventriculography in the CAL group showed smaller maximum dP/dt (6519 ± 1062) and greater end-diastolic pressure (33 ± 8 mmHg) when compared with IR (8716 ± 756 mmHg/s; 9 ± 9 mmHg) and SHAM (7989 ± 1230 mmHg/s; 9 ± 7 mmHg) groups. The CAL group presented transmural infarct size of 40% of the left ventricular wall, measured under histopathological examination. In conclusion, IR for 30 minutes caused only small changes in LV diastolic function, assessed by tissue Doppler; however, the IR was not effective for promoting HF, as observed with CAL. Thus, it is possible that prolonged IR is necessary for promoting significant HF in rats.

Diastolic Backward-Traveling Decompression (Suction) Wave Correlates With Simultaneously Acquired Indices of Diastolic Function and Is Reduced in Left Ventricular Stunning.

Wave intensity analysis can distinguish proximal (propulsion) and distal (suction) influences on coronary blood flow and is purported to reflect myocardial performance and microvascular function. Quantifying the amplitude of the peak, backwards expansion wave (BEW) may have clinical utility. However, simultaneously acquired wave intensity analysis and left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume loop data, confirming the origin and effect of myocardial function on the BEW in humans, have not been previously reported. Patients with single-vessel left anterior descending coronary disease and normal ventricular function (n=13) were recruited prospectively. We simultaneously measured LV function with a conductance catheter and derived wave intensity analysis using a pressure-low velocity guidewire at baseline and again 30 minutes after a 1-minute coronary balloon occlusion. The peak BEW correlated with the indices of diastolic LV function: LV dP/dtmin (rs=-0.59; P=0.002) and τ (rs=-0.59; P=0.002), but not with systolic function. In 12 patients with paired measurements 30 minutes post balloon occlusion, LV dP/dtmax decreased from 1437.1±163.9 to 1299.4±152.9 mm Hg/s (median difference, -110.4 [-183.3 to -70.4]; P=0.015) and τ increased from 48.3±7.4 to 52.4±7.9 ms (difference, 4.1 [1.3-6.9]; P=0.01), but basal average peak coronary flow velocity was unchanged, indicating LV stunning post balloon occlusion. However, the peak BEW amplitude decreased from -9.95±5.45 W·m(-2)/s(2)×10(5) to -7.52±5.00 W·m(-2)/s(2)×10(5) (difference 2.43×10(5) [0.20×10(5) to 4.67×10(5); P=0.04]). Peak BEW assessed by coronary wave intensity analysis correlates with invasive indices of LV diastolic function and mirrors changes in LV diastolic function confirming the origin of the suction wave. This may have implications for physiological lesion assessment after percutaneous coronary intervention. URL: http://www.isrctn.org. Unique identifier: ISRCTN42864201.