Greater Left Ventricular Mass Index Research Articles

Association of Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Degree of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Assessed on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Ventricular Tachycardia in Children With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

There are limited data on the clinical significance of left ventricular (LV) mass and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). We reviewed cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies of children with HC to investigate the associations between the extent and distribution of LGE and LV mass with ventricular tachycardia (VT) in children with HC. A blinded observer reviewed CMR studies for the presence and distribution of LV hypertrophy and LGE using a 17-segment model. The primary outcome was VT. LGE was present 17 of 33 subjects (52%). VT was present on outpatient Holter monitor or exercise stress test in 7 patients, of which 5 patients (71%) had LGE. Each additional segment of LGE was associated with an increase in the odds of VT (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9) and fewer than 5 segments with LGE had 93% specificity for the presence or absence of VT (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.5). VT was more common in patients with LGE in the apical septal (p= 0.03), basal inferoseptal (p<0.01), and basal inferior (p= 0.04) segments, whereas LGE in more commonly involved segments (midanteroseptal and midinferoseptal) was not associated with VT (p= 0.13, 0.26). Patients with VT had greater LV mass index (76.4 ± 40.4g/m(2.7) vs 50.9 ± 24.3g/m(2.7); p= 0.03). Each centimeter of increased maximum LV thickness was associated with increased likelihood of VT (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 6.8). In conclusion, in pediatric HC, CMR to evaluate the extent and pattern of LGE, LV mass index, and maximum LV thickness may help to identify children with HC at risk of VT.

Normal values of left ventricular mass and cardiac chamber volumes assessed by 320-detector computed tomography angiography in the Copenhagen General Population Study.

Normal values of left ventricular mass (LVM) and cardiac chamber sizes are prerequisites for the diagnosis of individuals with heart disease. LVM and cardiac chamber sizes may be recorded during cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and thus modality specific normal values are needed. We studied 569 healthy subjects undergoing 320-detector CCTA as a part of the Copenhagen General Population Study. LVM as well as ventricular and atrial volumes was assessed with semi-automated software stratified by gender and age decades and indexed by body surface area (BSA). Mean age was 55 (range: 40-84) years, and 188 (33%) were men. BSA-indexed 97.5th percentile cut-off values: LVM = 80 and 65 gr/m(2), left ventricular volume = 97 and 83 mL/m(2), right ventricular volume = 120 and 102 mL/m(2), left atrial volume = 60 and 57 mL/m(2), and right atrial volume = 85 and 73 mL/m(2) for men and women, respectively. Men had greater absolute and indexed LVM and chamber volumes than women. For both genders, indexed ventricular volumes declined, whereas indexed atrial volumes increased in advancing age groups. For men, indexed LVM declined in advancing age groups. In multivariate analyses, gender, BSA, systolic blood pressure, and hard physical activity accounted for 63% of variance in LVM. In this cross-sectional general population study, men have greater indexed LVM and chamber volumes than women, and cardiac indexed volumes vary between age groups in both genders. These findings demonstrate the need for age- and gender-specific normal values for clinical diagnostic purposes.

Air Pollution, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and Social Disadvantage: The Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Social factors may enhance health effects of air pollution, yet empirical support is inconsistent. The interaction of social and environmental factors may only be evident with long-term exposures and outcomes that reflect long-term disease development. We used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis to assess left-ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We assigned residential concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), oxides of nitrogen, and nitrogen dioxide in the year 2000 to each participant in 2000 using prediction models. We examined modifying roles of four measures of adversity: race/ethnicity, racial/ethnic residential segregation, and socioeconomic status and psychosocial adversity as composite indices on the association between air pollution and LVMI or LVEF. Compared with whites, blacks showed a stronger adjusted association between air pollution and LVMI. For example, for each 5 µg/m greater PM2.5 level, whites showed a 1.0 g/m greater LVMI (95% confidence interval = -1.3, 3.1), while blacks showed an additional 4.0 g/m greater LVMI (95% confidence interval = 0.3, 8.2). Results were similar for oxides of nitrogen and nitrogen dioxide with regard to black race and LVMI. However, we found no evidence of a modifying role of other social factors or ethnic groups. Furthermore, we found no evidence of a modifying role for any social factors or racial/ethnic groups on the association between air pollution and LVEF. Our results suggest that racial group membership may modify the association between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.

Association between Clinical and Doppler Echocardiographic Parameters with Sudden Death in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background:Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, but there is little information about underlying risk factors.Objectives:Evaluate the association between clinical and echocardiographic variables with SCD on HD patients.Methods:Retrospective nested case-control study on chronic HD patients who were prospectively followed. The primary endpoint was SCD. Variables were compared by Student t test, Mann-Whitney or Chi-Square, and independent predictors of SCD were evidenced by multivariate logistic regression.Results:We followed 153 patients (50 ± 15 years, 58% men) for 23 ± 14 months and observed 35 deaths, 17 of which were SCD events. When compared to the control group (matched for gender, age, and body mass index) there were no differences regarding time on dialysis, traditional biochemical parameters, blood pressure, smoking, use of cardiovascular protective drugs, ejection fraction, left ventricular dimensions, and diastolic function indices. On the other hand, in the SCD group, we found a higher prevalence of previous heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and diabetes, greater left ventricular mass index, greater left atrial size and lower global myocardial performance. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes (OR = 2.6; CI = 1.3-7.5; p = 0.023) and left ventricular mass index ≥ 101 g/m2.7 (OR = 1.04; CI = 1.01-1.08; p = 0.028) showed independent association with SCD events.Conclusions:HD patients with diabetes mellitus and left ventricular hypertrophy appear to have the highest risk of SCD. Preventive and therapeutic strategies should be encouraged in addressing these risk factors to minimize the occurrence of SCD in HD patients.

Acculturation is associated with left ventricular mass in a multiethnic sample: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BackgroundAcculturation involves stress-related processes and health behavioral changes, which may have an effect on left ventricular (LV) mass, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the relationship between acculturation and LV mass in a multiethnic cohort of White, African-American, Hispanic and Chinese subjects.MethodsCardiac magnetic resonance assessment was available for 5004 men and women, free of clinical CVD at baseline. Left ventricular mass index was evaluated as LV mass indexed by body surface area. Acculturation was characterized based on language spoken at home, place of birth and length of stay in the United States (U.S.), and a summary acculturation score ranging from 0 = least acculturated to 5 = most acculturated. Mean LV mass index adjusted for traditional CVD risk factors was compared across acculturation levels.ResultsUnadjusted mean LV mass index was 78.0 ± 16.3 g/m2. In adjusted analyses, speaking exclusively English at home compared to non-English language was associated with higher LV mass index (81.3 ± 0.4 g/m2 vs 79.9 ± 0.5 g/m2, p = 0.02). Among foreign-born participants, having lived in the U.S. for ≥ 20 years compared to < 10 years was associated with greater LV mass index (81.6 ± 0.7 g/m2 vs 79.5 ± 1.1 g/m2, p = 0.02). Compared to those with the lowest acculturation score, those with the highest score had greater LV mass index (78.9 ± 1.1 g/m2 vs 81.1 ± 0.4 g/m2, p = 0.002). There was heterogeneity in which measure of acculturation was associated with LV mass index across ethnic groups.ConclusionsGreater acculturation is associated with increased LV mass index in this multiethnic cohort. Acculturation may involve stress-related processes as well as behavioral changes with a negative effect on cardiovascular health.

Development of new atherosclerotic plaque in hypertensive patients: an observational registry study from the Campania-Salute network.

Carotid atherosclerotic plaques (CAPs) can develop despite appropriate antihypertensive therapy. In this observational study, we assessed characteristics associated with risk of incident CAP in a large hypertensive registry. We evaluated 2143 hypertensive patients without evidence of CAP. Incident CAP was censored at the time of the first ultrasound control in which CAP was detected. CAP was defined according to European Society of Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology guidelines. At a median follow-up period of 56.6 months, about one-third of patients (32%; N = 688) exhibited new CAP. Those patients were older, more frequently smokers, diabetic, more often with metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease (CKD), longer hypertension history, higher baseline SBP, pulse pressure (PP), fasting glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides, greater left ventricular mass index, higher PP/stroke index ratio and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT; all P < 0.05). In-treatment BP control was similar in both groups. In multivariable Cox regression, CAP was predicted by older age, diabetes, smoking habit, CKD and higher value of initial IMT (all P < 0.02), independently of BP control during follow-up, antihypertensive therapy and other confounders. In this registry of treated hypertensive patients, after adjusting for age and other confounders, risk of incident CAP did not depend on BP control and type of antihypertensive therapy, whereas it was independently related to the magnitude of initial IMT, independently of significant effect of prevalent diabetes and smoking habit. These findings suggest that antihypertensive treatment strategy to stop progression of cardiovascular disease might be difficult to achieve, once target organ damage is established.

P-040: Relation of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and their impact on cardiovascular risk

Background The coexistence of hypertension in diabetic patients greatly enhances their likelihood of developing CVD. Other important risk factors for CVD in these patients include the following: obesity, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, inflammation, retinopathy, and “diabetic cardiomyopathy”. We aimed to assess the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with high blood pressure over these cardiovascular risk factors. Methods We performed a transversal study, lasting 12 months, in which 100 patients with essential hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, with medium age 60.7 ± 9.3 years were evaluated in comparison with 100 patients with only hypertension. We evaluate these patients for: BMI; waist circumference; IMT by carotid ultrasonography; microalbuminuria in a spot morning urine; fundus oculi, LVMI for left ventricular hypertrophy by echocardiography. Serum PCR and lipid concentrations were measured. Results The diabetic hypertensive subjects significantly had higher BMI (p = 0.01) and waist circumference statistically significant (p = 0.005). Patients with hypertension and diabetes had a greater left ventricular mass index (66% vs 51%, P = 0.04). Mean value for IMT was 1.1 ± 0,3 mm for diabetic patients and 0.93 ± 0,2 mm for the other group (P vs 64%, P = 0.1). Prevalence of microalbuminuria was significantly high in diabetics (44% vs 14%, P vs 16%, P = 0.013) Also, prevalence of retinopathy was significantly high in people with diabetes and hypertension compare to other group (27% vs 12%, P = 0.012). There was strong relation between LVMI, microalbuminuria, IMT and PCR. Waist circumference had correlation with IMT and microalbuminuria. Conclusions DM is an independent risk factor for the increased LV mass and impaired diastolic function regardless of association with hypertension or not. Central obesity is associated with an increased risk for cardio metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation affecting the arterial intimae. Thus, individuals with type 2 diabetes and hypertension had increased risk for CVD.

Left Ventricular Structure and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Framingham Heart Study Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study.

BackgroundElevated left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and concentric left ventricular (LV) remodeling are related to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The predictive utility of LV concentric remodeling and LV mass in the prediction of CVD events is not well characterized.Methods and ResultsFramingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort members without prevalent CVD (n=1715, 50% men, aged 65±9 years) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance for LVMI and geometry (2002–2006) and were prospectively followed for incident CVD (myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, heart failure, stroke) or CVD death. Over 13 808 person-years of follow-up (median 8.4, range 0.0 to 10.5 years), 85 CVD events occurred. In multivariable-adjusted proportional hazards regression models, each 10-g/m2 increment in LVMI and each 0.1 unit in relative wall thickness was associated with 33% and 59% increased risk for CVD, respectively (P=0.004 and P=0.009, respectively). The association between LV mass/LV end-diastolic volume and incident CVD was borderline significant (P=0.053). Multivariable-adjusted risk reclassification models showed a modest improvement in CVD risk prediction with the incorporation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance LVMI and measures of LV concentricity (C-statistic 0.71 [95% CI 0.65 to 0.78] for the model with traditional risk factors only, improved to 0.74 [95% CI 0.68 to 0.80] for the risk factor model additionally including LVMI and relative wall thickness).ConclusionsAmong adults free of prevalent CVD in the community, greater LVMI and LV concentric hypertrophy are associated with a marked increase in adverse incident CVD events. The potential benefit of aggressive primary prevention to modify LV mass and geometry in these adults requires further investigation.

Estimated GFR and Subsequent Higher Left Ventricular Mass in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Normal Kidney Function: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Left ventricular hypertrophy is common and is associated with cardiovascular events and death among patients with known chronic kidney disease. However, the link between reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) remains poorly explored among young and middle-aged adults with preserved kidney function. In this study, we examined the association of cystatin C-based estimated GFR (eGFRcys) and rapid decline in eGFR with subsequent LVMI. Observational study. We included 2,410 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort with eGFRcys > 60mL/min/1.73m(2) at year 15 and who had an echocardiogram obtained at year25. eGFRcys at year 15 and rapid decline in eGFRcys (defined as >3% per year over 5 years from years 15 to 20). LVMI measured at year25. We adjusted for age, sex, race, diabetes, body mass index, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, cumulative systolic blood pressure, and albuminuria. Mean age was 40±4 (SD) years, 58% were women, and 43% were black. After 10 years of follow-up, mean LVMI was 39.6±13.4g/m(2.7). Compared with eGFRcys > 90mL/min/1.73m(2) (n= 2,228), eGFRcys of 60 to 75mL/min/1.73m(2) (n= 29) was associated with 5.63 (95% CI, 0.90-10.36) g/m(2.7) greater LVMI (P= 0.02), but there was no association of eGFRcys of 76 to 90mL/min/1.73m(2) (n= 153) with LVMI after adjustment for confounders. Rapid decline in eGFRcys was associated with higher LVMI compared with participants without a rapid eGFRcys decline (β coefficient, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.11-2.83; P= 0.03) after adjustment for confounders. There were a limited number of participants with eGFRcys of 60 to 90mL/min/1.73m(2). Among young and middle-aged adults with preserved kidney function, eGFRcys of 60 to 75mL/min/1.73m(2) and rapid decline in eGFRcys were significantly associated with subsequently higher LVMI. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that contribute to elevated LVMI in this range of eGFRcys.

Distribution of Hypertrophy and Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Children and Adolescents with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

While well characterized in adult patients, the pattern of hypertrophy and the extent of myocardial scarring in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are insufficiently known. The aim of this study was to assess the hypertrophy patterns and the prevalence and clinical significance of scars in the hearts of young patients with HCM. A retrospective analysis of the imaging findings of 38 children (aged 12.83 ± 2 years, 30 males) with HCM who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was performed. In addition to left ventricular mass and volumes, the examinations were assessed for the pattern of hypertrophy and presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). A myocardial signal intensity ≥6 standard deviations above the mean of normal myocardium defined positive LGE. Left ventricular mass index averaged 110 ± 34 g/m(2) . Nineteen children (50%) had diffuse septal, 13 (34%) diffuse concentric and 6 (16%) isolated basal hypertrophy. Seven children (18%) had LGE. Patients with LGE had a greater left ventricular mass index than those without (136 ± 34 g/m(2) vs. 104 ± 31 g/m(2) , P = .025). The only two patients who presented with an episode of aborted sudden cardiac death had LGE (P = .03). The most common hypertrophy pattern in children with HCM was diffuse septal hypertrophy. The incidence of LGE observed is lower than that reported in adults. The presence of LGE appears to confer a risk for adverse events.

PP.05.22

Objective: Type 2 diabetes is a cardiovascular risk factor. The coexistence of hypertension in diabetic patients greatly enhances their likelihood of developing CVD. Other important risk factors for CVD in these patients include the following: obesity, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, inflammation, retinopathy, and “diabetic cardiomyopathy.” We aimed to assess the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with high blood pressure over these cardiovascular risk factors. Design and method: We performed a transversal study, lasting 12 months, in which 100 patients with essential hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, with medium age 60.7 ± 9.3 years were evaluated in comparison with 100 patients with only hypertension. We evaluate these patients for: BMI; waist circumference; IMT by carotid ultrasonography; microalbuminuria in a spot morning urine; fundus oculi, LVMI for left ventricular hypertrophy by echocardiography. Serum PCR and lipid concentrations were measured. Results: The diabetic hypertensive subjects significantly had higher BMI (p = 0.01) and waist circumference statistically significant (p = 0.005). Patients with hypertension and diabetes had a greater left ventricular mass index (66% vs 51%; P = 0.04). Mean value for IMT was 1.1 ± 0.3 mm for diabetic patients and 0.93 ± 0.2 mm for the other group (P < 0.001) and its prevalence was high in diabetics (75% vs 64%, P = 0.1). Prevalence of microalbuminuria was significantly high in diabetics (44% vs 14%, P < 0.001). PCR as marker of inflammation was prevalently high in people with diabetes and hypertension (32% vs 16%, P = 0.013) Also, prevalence of retinopathy was significantly high in people with diabetes and hypertension compare to other group (27% vs 12%, P = 0.012). There was strong relation between LVMI, microalbuminuria, IMT and PCR. Waist circumference had correlation with IMT and microalbuminuria. Conclusions: DM is an independent risk factor for the increased LV mass and impaired diastolic function regardless of association with hypertension or not. Central obesity is associated with an increase risk for cardio metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation affecting the arterial intimae. Thus, individuals with type 2 diabetes and hypertension had increased risk for CVD.

Relation of Reduced Preclinical Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Cardiac Remodeling in Overweight Youth to Insulin Resistance and Inflammation

Insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may contribute to obesity cardiomyopathy. The earliest sign of obesity cardiomyopathy is impaired left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, which may be evident in obese children and adolescents. However, the precise metabolic basis of the impaired LV diastolic function remains unknown. The aims of this study were to evaluate cardiac structure and LV diastolic function by tissue Doppler imaging in overweight and obese (OW) youth and to assess the relative individual contributions of adiposity, IR, and inflammation to alterations in cardiac structure and function. We studied 35 OW (body mass index standard deviation score 2.0±0.8; non-IR n=19, IR n=16) and 34 non-OW youth (body mass index standard deviation score 0.1±0.7). LV diastolic function was reduced in OW youth compared with non-OW controls, as indicated by lower peak myocardial relaxation velocities (p<0.001) and greater filling pressures (p<0.001). OW youth also had greater LV mass index (p<0.001), left atrial volume index, and LV interventricular septal thickness (LV-IVS; both p=0.02). IR-OW youth had the highest LV filling pressures, LV-IVS, and relative wall thickness (all p<0.05). Homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance and C-reactive protein were negative determinants of peak myocardial relaxation velocity and positive predictors of filling pressure. Adiponectin was a negative determinant of LV-IVS, independent of obesity. In conclusion, OW youth with IR and inflammation are more likely to have adverse changes to cardiovascular structure and function which may predispose to premature cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy Is Associated With Cardiovascular Events in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Evidence From Study With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

BackgroundAlthough left ventricular (LV) morphology and function have been well studied in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), few data exist regarding the right ventricle. Accordingly, we studied right ventricular (RV) morphology and function and their effect on cardiovascular events in HCM using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. MethodsThis retrospective study included 106 HCM patients (age 61.6 ± 14.5 years) examined using CMR imaging during January 2008 to September 2014. RV hypertrophy (RVH) was defined as RV maximal wall thickness > 5 mm. ResultsRVH was observed in 30 of the 106 patients (RVH group), with the remaining 76 patients assigned to the non-RVH group. The RVH group had higher brain natriuretic peptide levels (461.6 ± 699.8 pg/mL vs 225.3 ± 254.5 pg/mL; P = 0.01) and also showed a reduced RV end-diastolic volume index (43.4 ± 16.0 mL/m2 vs 56.6±15.2 mL/m2; P = 0.0001), in keeping with a greater LV mass index (109.1 ± 24.9 g/m2 vs 78.6 ± 23.0 g/m2; P < 0.0001). The RVH group was prominently associated with RV late gadolinium enhancement compared with the non-RVH group (33.3% vs 0%; P < 0.0001). After CMR imaging, 15 patients developed cardiovascular events that included admission for heart failure, ventricular tachyarrhythmia/fibrillation, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that RVH was an independent predictor of the occurrence of cardiovascular events after adjustments by sex, age, LV mass index, LV ejection fraction, and LV outflow tract obstruction (hazard ratio, 5.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-25.3; P = 0.03). ConclusionsThese results suggest that HCM patients with RVH on CMR images have a greater incidence of cardiovascular events than non-RVH patients. Further work is needed to confirm this observation and assess its clinical importance.

White-coat hypertension, as defined by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and subclinical cardiac organ damage: a meta-analysis.

: The clinical and prognostic relevance of white-coat hypertension (WCH) has not been fully elucidated; in particular, the association of this blood pressure phenotype with suclinical organ damage remains unclear. We performed a systematic meta-analysis in order to provide a comprehensive information on cardiac structural and functional changes in WCH, as defined by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Studies were identified by the following search terms: 'white-coat hypertension', 'isolated clinic hypertension', 'cardiac organ damage', 'target organ damage', 'left ventricle', 'left ventricular hypertrophy', 'cardiac hypertrophy', 'ventricular dysfunction', and 'echocardiography'. A total of 7382 untreated adult patients (2493 normotensive, 1705 WCH, and 3184 hypertensive individuals) included in 25 studies were considered. Left ventricular mass index was higher in WCH than in normotensive patients [standardized difference in mean (SDM) 0.50, P < 0.01]; mitral E/A ratio was lower (SDM -0.27, P < 0.01) and left atrium larger (SDM 0.29, P < 0.05) in WCH than in the normotensive counterparts. Hypertensive patients showed a greater left ventricular mass index (SDM 0.42, P < 0.01), reduced E/A (SDM -0.15, P < 0.01), and larger left atrium diameter (SDM 0.27, P < 0.01) than WCH patients. Our meta-analysis shows that alterations in cardiac structure and function in WCH patients, as defined by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, are intermediate between sustained hypertensive patients and normotensive controls. The study supports the view that WCH should not be further considered a fully benign entity.

Global Left Atrial Strain in the Prediction of Sinus Rhythm Maintenance after Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Left atrial (LA) strain is a sensitive measure of LA mechanics. However, its relationship with rhythm outcomes after catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether baseline LA global longitudinal strain (LAε) predicts rhythm outcomes in patients who undergo catheter ablation for AF. In 256 patients with AF (paroxysmal, 204; persistent, 52), comprehensive echocardiography was performed with assessment of LAε by using Velocity Vector Imaging to calculate average strain values from apical four- and two-chamber views before ablation (median, 41 days; interquartile range, 1-95 days). After a median of 8.0 months (interquartile range, 4.0-23.3 months) of follow-up, 149 patients (58%) had maintained sinus rhythm and 107 patients (42%) had recurrence of AF. In our study cohort (mean age 59±11years; mean left ventricular ejection fraction, 58±10%), impaired total LAε (LAεtotal) was associated with greater left ventricular mass index (r=-0.245, P<.001) and worsening left ventricular diastolic function (ratio of transmitral flow peak early diastolic velocity to peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus: r=-0.357, P<.001; maximal LA volume index: r=-0.393, P<.001). Patients with LAεtotal < 23.2% showed a higher incidence of AF recurrence compared with patients with LAεtotal ≥ 23.2% (log-rank P<.001). In multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis, LAεtotal was independently related to rhythm outcomes (hazard ratio, 0.944; 95% confidence interval, 0.915-0.975; P<.001) after AF ablation. Moreover, LAεtotal provided incremental predictive value for rhythm outcomes over clinical features (increment in global χ(2)=14.63, P<.001). In patients with AF, baseline LAεtotal was associated with rhythm outcome after catheter ablation.

Midlife blood pressure change and left ventricular mass and remodelling in older age in the 1946 British Birth Cohort Study.

AimsAntecedent blood pressure (BP) may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of current BP. Blood pressure is associated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) which independently predicts CVD. We investigated the relationship between midlife BP from age 36 to 64 and LVMI at 60–64 years.Methods and resultsA total of 1653 participants in the British 1946 Birth Cohort underwent BP measurement and echocardiography aged 60–64. Blood pressure had previously been measured at 36, 43, and 53 years. We investigated associations between BP at each age and rate of change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 36–43, 43–53, and 53–60/64 years on LVMI at 60–64 years. Blood pressure from 36 years was positively associated with LVMI. Association with SBP at 53 years was independent of SBP at 60–64 years and other potential confounders (fully adjusted β at 53 years = 0.19 g/m2; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.27; P < 0.001). Faster rates of increase in SBP from 43 to 53 years and 53 to 60/64 years were associated with increased LVMI. Similar relationships were seen for diastolic, pulse, and mean pressure. Rate of increase in SBP between 43–53 years was associated with largest change in LVMI (β at 43–53 years = 3.12 g/m2; 95% CI: 1.53, 4.72; P < 0.001). People on antihypertensive medication (43 years onwards) had greater LVMI even after adjustment for current BP (β at 43 years = 12.36 g/m2; 95% CI: 3.19, 21.53; P = 0.008).ConclusionHigher BP in midlife and rapid rise of SBP in 5th decade is associated with higher LVMI in later life, independent of current BP. People with treated hypertension have higher LVMI than untreated individuals, even accounting for their higher BP. Our findings emphasize importance of midlife BP as risk factor for future CVD.

Evidence of a hyperkinetic state in children with elevated blood pressure

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and elevated left ventricular mass index (LVMI) are important predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adults. Children with hypertension and pre-hypertension demonstrate LVH and greater LVMI compared to normotensive children. The impact of blood pressure (BP) on early changes in left ventricular properties provides an opportunity to understand and identify cardiovascular risk early in childhood.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess left ventricular structural and functional properties in a sample of children across a wide range of BP values.Subjects and methods: Children aged 11–14-years were divided into BP groups: hypertensives (HTN; ≥95th percentile; n = 21) and normotensives (NTN; <90th percentile; n = 85) based on BP measures taken at two time points. Resting supine heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were collected along with left ventricular structural and functional properties using ultrasound sonography. Results: LVMI and TPR were not different between groups. CO, HR and left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were elevated in the HTN group. Furthermore, HR and body mass index were found to be independent predictors of BP group status in children.Conclusion: These findings show that children with elevated BP are characterized by high HR and CO and normal TPR. Also, the results identify HR as a predictor of BP group status in early childhood.

Parallel improvement of left ventricular geometry and filling pressure after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in high risk aortic stenosis: comparison with major prosthetic surgery by standard echo Doppler evaluation

PurposeThe effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) on left ventricular (LV) geometry and function was compared to traditional aortic replacement (AVR) by major surgery.Methods45 patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVI and 33 AVR were assessed by standard echo Doppler the day before and 2 months after the implantation. 2D echocardiograms were performed to measure left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMi), relative wall thickness (RWT), ejection fraction (EF) and the ratio between transmitral E velocity and early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (E/e’ ratio). Valvular-arterial impedance (Zva) was also calculated.ResultsAt baseline, the 2 groups were comparable for blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index mean transvalvular gradient and aortic valve area. TAVI patients were older (p<0.0001) and had greater LVMi (p<0.005) than AVR group. After 2 months, both the procedures induced a significant reduction of transvalvular gradient and Zva but the decrease of LVMi and RWT was significant greater after TAVI (both p<0.0001). E/e’ ratio and EF were significantly improved after both the procedure but E/e’ reduction was greater after TAVI (p<0.0001). TAVI exhibited greater percent reduction in mean transvalvular gradient (p<0.05), Zva (p<0.02), LVMi (p<0.0001), RWT (p<0.0001) and E/e’ ratio (p<0.0001) than AVR patients. Reduction of E/e’ ratio was positively related with reduction of RWT (r = 0.46, p<0.002) only in TAVI group, even after adjusting for age and percent reduction of Zva (r =0.43, p<0.005).ConclusionsTAVI induces a greater improvement of estimated LV filling pressure in comparison with major prosthetic surgery, due to more pronounced recovery of LV geometry, independent on age and changes of hemodynamic load.

Human non-contrast T1 values and correlation with histology in diffuse fibrosis

BackgroundAortic stenosis (AS) leads to diffuse fibrosis in the myocardium, which is linked to adverse outcome. Myocardial T1 values change with tissue composition.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that our recently developed...

Modest Elevation in BNP in Asymptomatic Hypertensive Patients Reflects Sub-Clinical Cardiac Remodeling, Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Changes

In asymptomatic subjects B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes even at levels well below contemporary thresholds used for the diagnosis of heart failure. The mechanisms behind these observations are unclear. We examined the hypothesis that in an asymptomatic hypertensive population BNP would be associated with sub-clinical evidence of cardiac remodeling, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations. We performed transthoracic echocardiography and sampled coronary sinus (CS) and peripheral serum from patients with low (n = 14) and high BNP (n = 27). Peripheral BNP was closely associated with CS levels (r = 0.92, p<0.001). CS BNP correlated significantly with CS levels of markers of collagen type I and III turnover including: PINP (r = 0.44, p = 0.008), CITP (r = 0.35, p = 0.03) and PIIINP (r = 0.35, p = 0.001), and with CS levels of inflammatory cytokines including: TNF-α (r = 0.49, p = 0.002), IL-6 (r = 0.35, p = 0.04), and IL-8 (r = 0.54, p<0.001). The high BNP group had greater CS expression of fibro-inflammatory biomarkers including: CITP (3.8±0.7 versus 5.1±1.9, p = 0.007), TNF-α (3.2±0.5 versus 3.7±1.1, p = 003), IL-6 (1.9±1.3 versus 3.4±2.7, p = 0.02) and hsCRP (1.2±1.1 versus 2.4±1.1, p = 0.04), and greater left ventricular mass index (97±20 versus 118±26 g/m2, p = 0.03) and left atrial volume index (18±2 versus 21±4, p = 0.008). Our data provide insight into the mechanisms behind the observed negative prognostic impact of modest elevations in BNP and suggest that in an asymptomatic hypertensive cohort a peripheral BNP measurement may be a useful marker of an early, sub-clinical pathological process characterized by cardiac remodeling, inflammation and ECM alterations.