Electrocardiographic Strain Research Articles

Importance of the Electrocardiographic Strain Pattern in Patients With Resistant Hypertension

The electrocardiographic strain pattern is a marker of left ventricular hypertrophy and adverse cardiovascular prognosis. The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with the presence of ECG strain in patients with resistant hypertension and, specifically, to evaluate the relationships between strain and left ventricular mass (LVM) and structure. In a cross-sectional design, 440 resistant hypertensive subjects were evaluated. Clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressures, and echocardiographic variables were obtained. Statistical analysis involved bivariate tests, analysis of covariance, and multivariate logistic regression. An ECG strain pattern was present in 101 patients (23%). Patients with strain were more frequently men with lower body mass index, had more target-organ damage, higher 24-hour blood pressure, higher serum creatinine and 24-hour microalbuminuria, and more prolonged QT interval duration than those without strain. After controlling for all covariates, the presence of strain remained associated with increased LVM and wall thicknesses, both in all patients and also in those with echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy. Furthermore, the presence of ECG strain was associated with increased LVM (P<0.001), higher 24-hour systolic blood pressure (P<0.001), prolonged maximum QTc-interval duration (P<0.001), lower waist circumference (P=0.009), male gender (P=0.011), physical inactivity (P=0.020), higher serum creatinine (P=0.031) and fasting glycemia (P=0.027), and the presence of coronary heart disease (P=0.001) and peripheral arterial disease (P=0.045). Thus, in resistant hypertension patients, the presence of ECG strain is independently associated with increased left ventricular wall thicknesses and mass and also with other potentially adverse factors. These relationships offer insight into the known association between strain and unfavorable cardiovascular prognosis.

Association between Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy with Strain Pattern and Left Ventricular Structure and Function

Background and Purpose: Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) with strain pattern has been documented as a marker for LVH. Its presence on the ECG of hypertensive patients is associated with poor prognosis. The study was carried out to assess the association of the electrocardiographic strain with left ventricular mass (LVM) and function in hypertensive Nigerians. Material and Methods: ECG as well as echocardiograms were performed in 64 hypertensive patients with ECG-LVH and strain pattern, 65 patients with ECG-LVH by Sokolow-Lyon (SL) voltage criteria and 62 normal controls. Results: The study showed that electrocardiographic left ventricular (LV) strain pattern is associated with dilated left atrium, larger LV internal dimensions and greater absolute and indexed LVM in hypertensive Nigerians compared with ECG-LVH by SL voltage criteria alone or normal controls. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the fact that the ECG strain pattern is associated with increased LVM and an increased risk of developing abnormal LV geometry.

Can electrocardiographic strain predict new-onset congestive heart failure in patients with hypertension?

Can electrocardiographic strain predict new-onset congestive heart failure in patients with hypertension?

Electrocardiographic Strain Pattern and Prediction of New-Onset Congestive Heart Failure in Hypertensive Patients

The ECG strain pattern of ST depression and T-wave inversion is strongly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) independently of coronary heart disease and with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. However, whether ECG strain is an independent predictor of new-onset congestive heart failure (CHF) in the setting of aggressive antihypertensive therapy in unclear. The relationship of ECG strain at study baseline to the development of CHF was examined in 8696 patients with no history of CHF who were enrolled in the Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension (LIFE) study. All patients had ECG LVH by Cornell product and/or Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria on a screening ECG, were treated in a blinded manner with atenolol- or losartan-based regimens, and were followed up for a mean of 4.7+/-1.1 years. Strain was defined as a downsloping convex ST segment with inverted asymmetrical T-wave opposite the QRS axis in lead V5 or V6. ECG strain was present in 923 patients (10.6%), and new-onset CHF occurred in 265 patients (3.0%), 26 of whom had a CHF-related death. Compared with patients who did not develop CHF, hypertensive patients who developed CHF were older; were more likely to be black, current smokers, and diabetic; were more like to have a history of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease; and had greater baseline severity of LVH by Cornell product and Sokolow-Lyon voltage, higher baseline body mass indexes, higher serum glucose levels and albuminuria, similar baseline systolic and diastolic pressures, and reductions in diastolic pressure with treatment but greater reductions in systolic pressure. In univariate Cox analyses, ECG strain was a significant predictor of new-onset CHF (hazard ratio [HR], 3.27; 95% CI, 2.49 to 4.29) and CHF mortality (HR, 4.74; 95% CI, 2.11 to 10.64). In Cox multivariable analyses adjusting for baseline differences between patients with and without new-onset CHF, in-treatment differences in systolic and diastolic pressures, Sokolow-Lyon voltage, and Cornell product, and the impact of treatment with losartan versus atenolol on outcomes, ECG strain remained a significant predictor of incident CHF (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.48) and CHF-related death (HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.02 to 7.63). ECG strain identifies hypertensive patients at increased risk of developing CHF and dying as a result of CHF, even in the setting of aggressive blood pressure lowering.

Electrocardiographic strain pattern and prediction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients.

The ECG strain pattern of lateral ST depression and T-wave inversion is a marker for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and adverse prognosis in population studies. However, whether ECG strain is an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in the setting of aggressive antihypertensive therapy is unclear. ECGs were examined at study baseline in 8854 hypertensive patients with ECG LVH who were treated in a blinded manner with atenolol- or losartan-based regimens. Strain was defined by the presence of a downsloping convex ST segment with an inverted asymmetrical T wave opposite to the QRS axis in leads V5 and/or V6 and was present in 971 patients (11.0%). The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study composite end point of CV death or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke occurred in 1035 patients (11.7%). In Cox analyses adjusting only for treatment effect, ECG strain was a significant predictor of CV death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78 to 2.86), fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.80), fatal/nonfatal stroke (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.21), and the composite CV end point (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.33). After further adjusting for standard CV risk factors, baseline blood pressure, and severity of ECG LVH, ECG strain remained a significant predictor of CV mortality (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.00), myocardial infarction (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.06), and the composite CV end point (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.59). Thus, ECG strain is a marker of increased CV risk in hypertensive patients in the setting of aggressive blood pressure lowering, independent of baseline severity of ECG LVH.

888-3 Racial differences in the prognostic value of the electrocardiographic strain pattern in hypertensive patients: The LIFE study

888-3 Racial differences in the prognostic value of the electrocardiographic strain pattern in hypertensive patients: The LIFE study

Electrocardiographic strain pattern and the prediction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients: The LIFE study

Electrocardiographic strain pattern and the prediction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients: The LIFE study

Quantitative assessment of electrocardiographic strain predicts increased left ventricular mass: the strong heart study

ObjectivesThis study was designed to examine the relation of computer-measured ST depression (STdep) in the lateral precordial leads to the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). BackgroundQualitative abnormalities of repolarization in the lateral precordial leads of the electrocardiogram, as manifested by the strain pattern of T-wave inversion and STdep, are markers for LVH and adverse prognosis. However, the independent relationship of increased left ventricular (LV) mass to quantitative measures of STdep in these leads remains unclear. MethodsElectrocardiograms and echocardiograms were examined in the second Strong Heart Study examination in 1,595 American Indian participants without evident coronary disease. The absolute magnitude of ST segment deviation above or below isoelectric baseline was measured by computer in leads V5 and V6, and participants were grouped according to gender-specific quartiles of maximal STdep. Left ventricular hypertrophy was defined by indexed LV mass >49.2 g/m2.7 in men and >46.7 g/m2.7 in women. ResultsIncreasing STdep was associated with older age, greater pulse pressure, serum fibrinogen levels and urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, and with stepwise increases in LV mass (145 ± 28 vs. 150 ± 33 vs. 156 ± 36 vs. 164 ± 43 g, p < 0.001), indexed LV mass (38.2 ± 7.7 vs. 39.3 ± 8.7 vs. 40.5 ± 9.4 vs. 44.0 ± 11.0 g/m2.7, p < 0.001), and prevalence of LVH (11.6 vs. 19.1 vs. 21.5 vs. 31.2%, p < 0.001). After controlling for clinical differences, increasing STdep remained strongly associated with increased prevalence of LVH (p = 0.0001). ConclusionsIn the absence of evidence of coronary disease, increasing STdep in the lateral precordial leads is associated with increasing LV mass and increased prevalence of anatomic LVH.

Regression of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in relation to resolution versus persistence of electrocardiographic strain after one year of antihypertensive therapy: the LIFE study

Regression of echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in relation to resolution versus persistence of electrocardiographic strain after one year of antihypertensive therapy: the LIFE study

Relationship of the electrocardiographic strain pattern to left ventricular structure and function in hypertensive patients: the LIFE study

Relationship of the electrocardiographic strain pattern to left ventricular structure and function in hypertensive patients: the LIFE study

Relationship of the electrocardiographic strain pattern to left ventricular structure and function in hypertensive patients: the LIFE study

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to assess the relation of electrocardiographic (ECG) strain to increased left ventricular (LV) mass, independent of its relation to coronary heart disease (CHD). BACKGROUND The classic ECG strain pattern, ST depression and T-wave inversion, is a marker for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and adverse prognosis. However, the independence of the relation of strain to increased LV mass from its relation to CHD has not been extensively examined. METHODS Electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were examined at study baseline in 886 hypertensive patients with ECG LVH by Cornell voltage-duration product and/or Sokolow-Lyon voltage enrolled in the Losartan Intervention For End point (LIFE) echocardiographic substudy. Strain was defined as a downsloping convex ST segment with inverted asymmetrical T-wave opposite to the QRS axis in leads V 5 and/or V 6. RESULTS Strain occurred in 15% of patients, more commonly in patients with than without evident CHD (29%, 51/175 vs. 11%, 81/711, p < 0.001). When differences in gender, race, diabetes, systolic pressure, serum creatinine and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were controlled, strain on baseline ECG was associated with greater indexed LV mass in patients with (152 ± 33 vs. 131 ± 32 g/m 2, p < 0.001) or without CHD (131 ± 24 vs. 119 ± 22 g/m 2, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analyses, strain was associated with an increased risk of anatomic LVH in patients with CHD (relative risk 5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16 to 22.85, p = 0.0315), without evident CHD (relative risk 2.91, 95% CI 1.50 to 5.65, p = 0.0016), and in the overall population when CHD was taken into account (relative risk 2.98, 95% CI 1.65 to 5.38, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS When clinical evidence of CHD is accounted for, ECG strain is likely to indicate the presence of anatomic LVH. Greater LV mass and higher prevalence of LVH in patients with strain offer insights into the known association of the strain pattern with adverse outcomes.

Quantitative assessment of electrocardiographic strain predicts increased left ventricular mass: The strong heart study Peter M. Okin, Richard B. Devereux, Richard R. Fabsitz, Elisa T. Lee, James M. Galloway, Barbara V. Howard. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY

Quantitative assessment of electrocardiographic strain predicts increased left ventricular mass: The strong heart study Peter M. Okin, Richard B. Devereux, Richard R. Fabsitz, Elisa T. Lee, James M. Galloway, Barbara V. Howard. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY

Pathophysiologic assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy and strain in asymptomatic patients with essential hypertension

To investigate the significance of the electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy and strain, two groups of asymptomatic patients with essential hypertension were compared. The patients were similar in terms of age, smoking habit, serum cholesterol and blood pressure levels, but differed in the presence (Group I, n = 23) or absence (Group II, n = 23) of the ECG pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy and strain. Group I patients had significantly more episodes of exercise-induced ST segment depression (14 versus 4, p < 0.05) and reversible thallium perfusion abnormalities (11 of 23 versus 3 of 23, p < 0.05) despite similar exercise capacity and absence of chest pain. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was detected on 24 h ambulatory ECG monitoring in two patients in Group I, but no patient in Group II. Coronary arteriography performed in 20 Group I patients demonstrated significant coronary artery disease in 8 patients.This study has shown that there is a subgroup of hypertensive patients with ECG left ventricular hypertrophy and strain who have covert coronary artery disease. This can be detected by thallium perfusion scintigraphy, and may contribute to the increased risk known to be associated with this ECG abnormality.

Comparison of outcome of asymptomatic to symptomatic patients older than 20 years of age with valvular aortic stenosis

A 2-part prospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with hemodynamically confirmed asymptomatic valvular aortic stenosis (AS). During phase 1, linear regression analysis showed continuous wave Doppler to be highly accurate in predicting catheterization measured peak systolic aortic valve pressure gradients in 101 consecutive patients aged 36 to 83 years (mean 65 ± 8) with symptomatic AS. During phase 2, 90 additional patients (51 asymptomatic and 39 symptomatic) with Doppler-derived peak systolic aortic valve gradients ≥50 mm Hg (range 50 to 132 [mean 68 ± 19]) were followed for 1 to 45 months. Both groups of patients in phase 2 had similar Doppler gradients and clinical and auscuitatory evidence of moderate to severe AS at baseline. Asymptomatic patients were younger (p = 0.01), had higher ejection fractions (p = 0.001) and were less likely to have an electrocardiographic strain pattern (p = 0.01) and left atrial enlargement (p = 0.02). End-diastolic wall thickness, left ventricular cross-sectional myocardial area and estimated left ventricular mass were 18% (p = 0.0001), 20% (p = 0.0008), and 29% (p = 0.002) greater in symptomatic patients. During 17 ± 9 months of follow-up, 21 asymptomatic patients (41%) became symptomatic. Dyspnea was the most common initial complaint, occurring 2.5 and 4.8 times more often than angina and syncope, respectively. Compared with the 39 symptomatic patients, the 51 asymptomatic patients had a lower cumulative life table incidence of death from any cause (p = 0.002), and from cardiac causes (p = 0.0001) including sudden death (p = 0.013). Only 2 of the 51 initially asymptomatic patients (3.9%) died of cardiac cause during follow-up; in both, death was preceded by the development of angina pectoris or congestive heart failure. It is concluded that asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe AS have a good prognosis during their “latent” period and are at low risk for cardiac or sudden death. These data indicate that asymptomatic patients with AS can be followed medically as long as they remain free of symptoms.

Long-term Evaluation of Aortic Valvotomy for Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Aortic valvotomy (AV) for relief of congenital aortic stenosis (AS) is a palliative operation, and the purpose of this study was to determine the long-term benefit. After analyzing the symptoms at time of operation, 177 patients were separated by age at AV: newborns (1-14 days) 26, infants (2 weeks-1 year) 19, and children (greater than or equal to 1 year) 132. The newborn with critical AS typically presents with severe cardiac failure and the infant with moderate failure, whereas children may be asymptomatic. In the newborn group, final diagnosis has been made exclusively by noninvasive cardiac echogram since 1984. The presence of a hypoplastic left ventricle (HLV) and/or endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) are the most important determinants of mortality. Operative survival was 11 of 13 (85%) in the newborn group if HLV/EFE were not present. No operative deaths for AV occurred after 1965 in children. When present, a preoperative electrocardiographic strain pattern resolved in 80% of patients. Of 33 reoperations (21%), four were required 1.0 (0.5-2) years later for newborns, five were required for infants 7.2 (1.5-20) years later, and 24 were required in children 11.0 (1.5-25) years later. These included 10 repeat valvotomies and 23 aortic valve replacements (AVRs) with a 91% survival rate. In summary, although valves of patients with congenital AS are morphologically abnormal, valvotomy is beneficial. It was found that (1) the operative survival rate has been 100% over the past 20 years for children and currently is greater than 80% in newborns in the absence of HLV/EFE; (2) reoperation rate is higher in newborns and infants; (3) benefit was shown by a sharp decrease in obstruction initially and improved ECG later; (4) long-term follow-up revealed a subset of patients who are asymptomatic and have only mild residual obstruction over 20 years after AV.