Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Parameters Research Articles

Semaglutide ameliorates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by improving cardiac mitophagy to suppress the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is an important cause of heart failure(HF). Recent studies reveal that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists can improve mortality and left ventricular ejection fraction in the patients with type 2 diabetes and HF. The present study aims to investigate whether semaglutide, a long-acting GLP1R agonist, can ameliorate cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload, and explore the potential mechanism. The rats were performed transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to mimic pressure overload model. The rats were divided into four groups including Sham, TAC, TAC + semaglutide, and TAC + semaglutide + HCQ (hydroxychloroquine, an inhibitor of mitophagy). The rats in each experimental group received their respective interventions for 4 weeks. The parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) were measured by echocardiography, Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, western-blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. The changes of mitophagy were reflected by detecting cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COXII), LC3II/LC3I, mitochondria, and autophagosomes. Meanwhile, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and interleukin-18 were detected to evaluate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in each group. The results suggest that LVH, impaired mitophagy, and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were present in TAC rats. Semaglutide significantly reduced LVH, improve mitophagy, and down-regulated NLRP3 inflammatory signal pathway in TAC rats. However, the reversed effect of semaglutide on cardiac hypertrophy was abolished by HCQ, which restored the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome suppressed by improved mitophagy. In conclusion, semaglutide ameliorates the cardiac hypertrophy by improving cardiac mitophagy to suppress the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Semaglutide may be a novel potential option for intervention of cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload.

Features of The Dynamics of Profibrotic Markers and Regression of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy After Renal Denervation in Patients With Resistant Hypertension and Stenosing Atherosclerosis of the Coronary Arteries.

To compare the changes in serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP) to the dynamics of blood pressure (BP) and parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) 6 months after renal denervation (RD) in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) and complicated coronary atherosclerosis. In 22 RAH patients with complicated coronary atherosclerosis (revascularization and/or history of myocardial infarction (MI)), 24-hour BP monitoring, echocardiography, and measurement of blood MMPs and TIMP were performed at baseline and six months after RD. The comparison group consisted of 48 RAH patients without a history of coronary revascularization or MI. In 6 months after RD, BP was decreased comparably in both groups. In the group of complicated atherosclerosis, there were no significant changes in profibrotic markers or LVH parameters. Thus, at baseline and after 6 months, the values of the studied indicators were the following: left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) 233.1±48.1 and 243.0±52.0 g, LVMM index 60.6±14.5 and 62.8±10 .9 g/m2.7, proMMP-1 4.9 [2.1; 7.7] and 3.6 [2.0; 9.4] ng/ml, MMP-2 290.4 [233.1; 352.5] and 352.2 [277.4; 402.9] ng/ml, MMP-9 220.6 [126.9; 476.7] and 263.5 [82.9; 726.2] ng/ml, TIMP-1 395.7 [124.7; 591.4] and 424.2 [118.2; 572.0] ng/ml, respectively. In the comparison group, on the contrary, there was a significant decrease in LVMM from 273.6±83.3 g to 254.1±70.4 g, LVMM index from 67.1±12.3 to 64.0±14.4 g/m2.7, proMMP-1 from 7.2 [3.6; 11.7] to 5.9 [3.5; 10.9] ng/ml, MMP-2 from 328.9 [257.1; 378.1] to 272.8 [230.2; 343.2] ng/ml, MMP-9 from 277.9 [137.0; 524.0] to 85.5 [34.2; 225.9] ng/ml, and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio from 0.80 [0.31; 1.30] to 0.24 [0.07; 0.76]. The BP dynamics in this group was inversely correlated with MMP-2 at 6 months (r=-0.38), and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was correlated with LVMM and the LVMM index at baseline (r=0.39 and r=0.39) and at 6 months (r=0.37 and r=0.32). The change in TIMP-1 from 543.9 [277.5; 674.1] to 469.8 [289.7; 643.6] ng/ml was not significant (p=0.060). In RAH patients with complicated coronary atherosclerosis, the dynamics of profibrotic biomarkers and LVH parameters after RD was absent despite the pronounced antihypertensive effect, probably due to the low reversibility of cardiovascular remodeling processes or more complex regulatory mechanisms of the MMP system.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 inhibitors on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and placebo on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the LVH parameters of SGLT-2i to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Our primary outcomes were the changes in left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) from baseline to the study endpoint. Secondary outcomes were the changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to atrial inflow velocity (E/A). Summary odds ratios were estimated using a fixed-effect or random-effect model. A total of 11 articles were included. Data were extracted from 11 original studies matching our inclusion criteria. In our meta-analysis, there were significant improvement in LVM (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.02, I 2 = 22.6%, p = 0.034), LVMI (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.12, I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.000), LVEDV (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.01, I 2 = 62.3%, p = 0.035), and LVESV (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.04, I 2 = 32.9%, p = 0.017) in the SGLT-2i group compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in LVEF (SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.26, I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.050) and E/A (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.20, I 2 = 0%, p = 0.908) between the two groups. This meta-analysis confirmed the beneficial effects of SGLT-2i on reversal of left ventricular remodeling. The LVH regression was more pronounced in studies of type 2 diabetes patients receiving SGLT-2i than placebo.

Association between adipokines and cardiac remodeling in obese patients in preclinical heart failure

Introduction. Association of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in obesity and accompanying metabolic risks with adipokines levels at the different stage of heart failure (HF) is still debatable.The aim of study was to investigate the relationship of circulating adipokines levels with LVH in obese patients at preclinical stage of HF.Materials and methods. The study included 74 obese patients: 43% had no markers of LVH (stage A HF, group 1); 57% had LVH (stage B HF, group 2). Transthoracic echocardiography, laboratory assessment of N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide, soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2), circulating leptin and adiponectin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (IR) (HOMA-IR) were done. Matched-pairs analysis was applied.Results. Negative correlations of LVH with leptin levels in group 1 (stage A HF) and with adiponectin levels in group 2 (stage B HF) were detected (all p < 0.05). Positive correlations of the sST2 / adiponectin ratio and HOMA-IR with the parameters of LVH were detected in group 2 (all p >< 0.05). Conclusion. The direction of the associations between circulating adipokines and LVH varies with the preclinical stage of HF. The data obtained may reflect a relationship between heart remodeling in response to molecular mechanisms of inflammation and IR in obese patients at the certain stage of cardiovascular continuum. Keywords: leptin, adiponectin, insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, inflammation, sST2, left ventricular hypertrophy>˂ 0.05). Positive correlations of the sST2 / adiponectin ratio and HOMA-IR with the parameters of LVH were detected in group 2 (all p ˂ 0.05).Conclusion. The direction of the associations between circulating adipokines and LVH varies with the preclinical stage of HF. The data obtained may reflect a relationship between heart remodeling in response to molecular mechanisms of inflammation and IR in obese patients at the certain stage of cardiovascular continuum.

Assessment of fragmented QRS formation and its relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy in nonhypertensive acromegaly patients

Background/aim It is known that the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on electrocardiography (ECG) is associated with cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was the evaluation of fQRS formation and its relationship with the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) parameters in acromegaly patients. Materials and methods In total, 47 previously diagnosed with non-hypertensive acromegaly patients and 48 control subjects were included in the study. ECG and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed for each participant. Acromegaly patients were divided into two groups according to the fQRS formation on the ECG. Left ventricular wall thicknesses, and left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), and relative wall thickness (RWT) were obtained. Results In control group 5 (10.4%) and in acromegaly group 17 (36.2%) patients had fQRS on ECG (p = 0.003). LAD [36.0 (34.0–38.0) vs. 38.0 (35.0–41.0) mm, p < 0.001], LVM [155.27 ± 27.00 vs. 173.0 (153.0–235.0) g, p < 0.001], LVMi [83.12 ± 13.19 vs. 92.0 (83.0–118.0) g/m², p < 0.001] and RWT [0.39 ± 0.03 vs. 0.43 (0.41–0.45), p = 0.001] were significantly higher in patients with acromegaly. Disease duration was significantly higher (11.59 ± 1.3 vs. 8.2 ± 1.8 years, p < 0.001) in the fQRS (+) group. LAD [41.0 (39.0–42.5) vs. 37.0 (34.7–38.0) mm, p < 0.001], LVM [219.0 (160.5–254.5) vs. 164.0 (153.0–188.0) g, p = 0.017], LVMi [117.0 (92.5–128.5) vs. 86.0 (82.0–100.2) g/m², p = 0.013] and RWT [0.44 (0.42–0.49) vs. 0.43 (0.40–0.44), p = 0.037] were significantly higher in fQSR (+) acromegaly patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, disease duration (odds ratio: 10.05, 95% CI: 1.099–92.012, p = 0.041) and LAD (odds ratio: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.030–4.660, p = 0.042) were found to be the independent predictors of fQRS formation.Conclusion The results of our study revealed that fQRS (+) acromegaly patients had increased LVH parameters compared to fQRS (-) patients.

Inter-relationships of different electrocardiographic indicators of left ventricular hypertrophy in 25,000 Chinese adults

Abstract Background Several electrocardiographic (ECG) indices have previously been proposed to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Such indices utilize different criteria, including increased QRS voltage, prolonged QRS duration, left axis deviation, and LAFB and LBBB-like patterns in varying combinations. However, the inter-relationships of these different electrocardiographic indices of LVH with each otherare not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to estimate the relationships between the different LVH indices. Methods Electronic tracings of 12-lead ECGs recorded in 24,786 adult participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank recorded in 2014 were accessed to detect presence of LVH. ECG parameters of LVH, including individual and combinations of such parameters (voltage-only criteria such as Sokolov-Lyon, Cornell, Gubner as well as scores such as Romhilt-Estes point score) were estimated using customized computer software (Cardiolyse Oy, Finland) and compared proprietary LVH point score algorithms (Mortara, USA). Relationships between the different indices were assessed using a correlation matrix to explore associations between individual parameters and combined indices of such parameters. The matrices were used to construct heat maps and identify clustering of individual parameters. Results Overall, approximately 10% of the population had LVH assessed by Mortara algorithms. This graph shows that along with the free standing peaks, the rest are divided into two clusters of interconnected individual parameters. In the center of the largest cluster is the parameter, reflecting R-peak magnitude in aVL lead. In the center of another cluster was the left ventricular strain pattern, as described in Romhilt-Estes point score system. Overall, the Sokolov-Lyon index and LVH point score in Veritas algorithm had the strongest relationships with each other, but the Gubner and Cornell indices had relatively weak correlations with the other indices (Table 1). The mean correlation coefficient between five combined LVH indices was as follows: Veritas (Mortara) – 0.58, Sokolov-Lyon – 0.56, Romhilt-Estes – 0.45, Gubner – 0,32, Cornell – 0,3. Conclusions Parameters such as R-peak magnitude in aVL and left ventricular strain pattern were the most strongly related with each other. Aggregate indices, such as the Sokolov-Lyon index and LVH point score in Veritas algorithm were the most strongly related with all other indices, but the Gubner and Cornell indices were only weakly correlated. The results reinforce the utility of Sokolov-Lyon index and Mortara algorithms as the optimum measures of LVH. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Homoarginine as a laboratory cardiovascular risk biomarker

Background. Low plasma concentration of L-homoarginine (hArg) is associated with the progression of cardiovascular disease. However, the association between plasma hArg and cardiovascular complications in hypertension is not established. Objective. To assess and compare hArg levels as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk in hypertension. Design and methods. We included 60 hypertensives with moderate (n = 12), high (n = 16) and very high (n = 32) cardiovascular risk. Blood plasma tests including hArg were assessed. The control group included 30 age-matched regular donors. Results. The level of hArg was significantly lower in hypertensives compared to ocontrols (р &lt; 0,001). There were negative correlations between hArg and echocardiography parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy. In the higher cardiovascular risk groups hArg was lower (р = 0,042). ROC-analysis showed AUC 0,860 (95 % confidence interval 0,787–0,933) with the threshold for hArg ≤ 1,69 µM, sensitivity 72,0 % and specificity 93,3 %. Conclusion. The hArg plasma level is associated with the expression and enzyme activity of the protein arginine: glycinamidinetransferase in various tissues. The hArg level ≤ 1,69 µM can be considered a cumulative laboratory biomarker of high cardiovascular risk. Further studies of prognostic and diagnostic role of hArg are needed.

Electrocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy and prediction of mortality in hemodialysis patients

BackgroundIn hemodialysis patients, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) contributes to high cardiovascular mortality. We examined cardiovascular mortality prediction by the recently proposed Peguero-Lo Presti voltage since it identifies more patients with electrocardiographic (ECG) LVH than Cornell or Sokolow-Lyon voltages.MethodsA total of 308 patients on hemodialysis underwent 24 h ECG recordings. LVH parameters were measured before and after dialysis. The primary endpoint of cardiovascular mortality was recorded during a median 3-year follow up. Risk prediction was assessed by Cox regression, both unadjusted and adjusted for the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Cardiovascular Mortality Risk Score.ResultsThe Peguero-Lo Presti voltage identified with 21% the most patients with positive LVH criteria. All voltages significantly increased during dialysis. Factors such as ultrafiltration rate, Kt/V, body mass index, sex, and phosphate were the most relevant for these changes. During follow-up, 26 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Post-dialysis Peguero-Lo Presti cut-off as well as the Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell voltages were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in unadjusted and adjusted analysis. The Sokolow-Lyon voltage was not significantly associated with mortality. An optimal cut-off for the prediction of cardiovascular mortality was estimated at 1.38 mV for the Peguero-Lo Presti.ConclusionsThe post-dialysis Peguero-Lo Presti cut-off as well as the Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell voltages allowed independent risk prediction of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. Measuring the ECG LVH parameters after dialysis might allow a standardized interpretation as dialysis-specific factors influence the voltages.Graphical abstract

Evaluation of early electrocardiographic changes after successful percutaneous stent implantation to isolated coarctation of aorta

BackgroundCoarctation of aorta (CoA) is a congenital obstructive lesion characterized by narrowing of the aorta in which concludes as increase in afterload. Percutaneous stent implantation to CoA is a treatment of choice in older children and adults. Pathology related to CoA mainly caused by increased afterload and left ventricular hypertrophy. Electrocardiographic (ECG) findings are also related to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Evidence shows that, in variety of diseases, the correction of the pathology might normalize ECG findings and ventricular dysfunction related to increase in afterload. Therefore the aim of this study was to compare the pre- and postprocedural ECG findings of the patients who underwent percutaneous intervention for isolated CoA. MethodsAfter exclusion criterion was applied, 30 patients were included into study, retrospectively. ECG records before the procedure and 3 months after the procedure of the patients were evaluated. The parameters related to LVH, ventricular and atrial conduction were evaluated and compared between pre- and post-procedural ECG records. ResultsThe findings showed that parameters of atrial conduction including P wave maximum duration (p < 0.001) and p wave dispersion (p < 0.001) were significantly decreased after stent implantation. Additionally, ventricular repolarization parameters including QT duration (p = 0.039), Tpe interval (p < 0.001), Tpe / QT (p = 0.038) and Tpe / QTc (p = 0.003) were significantly decreased after stent implantation. Sokolow-Lyon criteria (p < 0.003) and voltage in selected leads were significantly decreased after intervention. ConclusionPercutaneous intervention to CoA might regress LVH parameters in ECG and improve atrial and ventricular repolarization in ECG, which might lead to decreased event of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with isolated CoA.

P1367 Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis

Abstract Background The prognostic and therapeutic consequences of aortic valve stenosis (AS) are incompletely described by the effective orifice area (EOA) and transvalvular flow velocities (AV-Vmax) in echocardiography. The aim of the study was to evaluate parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in severe AS. Methods Patients (n = 320) with severe AS (mean age 78 ± 9.5 years) defined by EOA &amp;lt; 1cm2 and/or a AV-Vmax &amp;gt; 4m/s were included. Left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF), relative wall thickness (RWT), LV mass index (LVmassi), several parameters of diastolic function, e.g. E/A-ratio, e/e", indexed left atrial (LA) volumes (LAVI min. and max.) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure were assessed. Patients were grouped in four subgroups according to their mean pressure gradient (mPGAV) and indexed stroke volume (Low-Flow/Low-Gradient (LFLG), Normal-Flow/Low-Gradient (NFLG), Low-Flow/High-Gradient (LFHG) and Normal-Flow/High-Gradient (NFHG)). Results LVH was documented in 83%, diastolic dysfunction in 75% and PAH in 79% of all patients, whereas &amp;gt; 50% exhibited pathological values for all three and 82% for at least two of these cardiac alterations. Further, in no patient normal ranges of all three cardiac alterations were observed. EOA (0.74 ± 0.18 vs 0.78 ± 0.17, p = 0.047) was lower and mPGAV (34.0 ± 16.6 vs 29.3 ± 14.1, p = 0.009) was higher in patients presenting all three cardiac alterations vs. patients presenting less than three cardiac alterations. Prevalences of diastolic dysfunction and LVH did not differ among AS subgroups (Fig.1/Tab. 1, p &amp;gt; 0.05). In contrast, higher prevalence of PAH was observed in HG-AS (89%) compared to LG-AS (76%) (p = 0.02). Conclusion Severe AS is highly associated with LVH, diastolic dysfunction and PAH. This analysis sets the stage to determine the prognostic importance of the analyzed cardiac alterations in patients with severe AS. Tab.1-Prevalence of cardiac alterations Parameters LFLG-AS (n = 135) NFLG-AS (n = 97) LFHG-AS (n = 21) NFHG-AS (n = 67) Relative wall thickness &amp;gt; 0.42 121 (89%) 90 (92%) 19 (90%) 67 (100%) LVmass index &amp;gt; 115 g/m2 (men), &amp;gt; 95 g/m2 (women) 120 (88%) 84 (86%) 17 (81%) 62 (93%) e/e" &amp;gt; 14 94 (70%) 56 (59%) 15 (71%) 41 (61%) Tricuspid regurgitation &amp;gt; 2.8 m/s 95 (70%) 71 (75%) 16 (76%) 47 (70%) Increased LAP and diastolic dysfunction grade 2 or 3 103 (76%) 69 (73%) 17 (81%) 50 (75%) Abstract P1367 Figure. Fig.1-Prevalence of cardiac alterations

Sodium thiosulphate and progression of vascular calcification in end-stage renal disease patients: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Sodium thiosulphate (NaTS) is mostly used in haemodialysis (HD) patients with calcific uraemic arteriolopathy. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the effect of NaTS on progression of cardiovascular calcifications in HD patients. From 65 screened patients, we recruited 60 patients with an abdominal aorta Agatston calcification score ≥100. Thirty patients were randomized to receive NaTS 25 g/1.73 m2 and 30 patients to receive 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenously during the last 15 min of HD over a period of 6 months. The primary endpoint was the absolute change of the abdominal aortic calcification score. The abdominal aortic calcification score and calcification volume of the abdominal aorta increased similarly in both treatment groups during the trial. As compared with the saline group, patients receiving NaTS exhibited a reduction of their iliac artery calcification score (-137 ± 641 versus 245 ± 755; P = 0.049), reduced pulse wave velocity (9.6 ± 2.7 versus 11.4 ± 3.6; P = 0.000) and a lower carotid intima-media thickness (0.77 ± 0.1 versus 0.83 ± 00.17; P = 0.033) and had better preservation of echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy. No patient of the NaTS group developed new cardiac valve calcifications during the trial as compared with 8 of 29 patients in the saline group. By univariate analysis, NaTS therapy was the only predictor of not developing new valvular calcifications. No adverse events possibly related to NaTS infusion were noted. While NaTS failed to retard abdominal aortic calcification progress, it positively affected calcification progress in iliac arteries and heart valves as well as several other cardiovascular functional parameters.

Comparison of the association of brachial arterial pressure and parameters of central aortic pressure with left ventricular hypertrophy in the general population of Novosibirsk

Aim.There is evidence that central aortic blood pressure (BP) is more associated with left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy than brachial BP. The purpose of this work is to compare the association of brachial and central aortic BP with electrocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy in the general population of Novosibirsk.Material and methods. We examined 327 people: 155 men and 172 women aged 25-44 years from a representative sample from the general population of Novosibirsk. The study program included anthropometry, BP measurement, electrocardiography, biochemical blood analysis. Radial artery applanation tonometry and pulse wave analysis were performed using the SphygmoCor system. Left ventricular hypertrophy was determined by electrocardiographic parameters.Results.In the general population of Novosibirsk, central aortic BP is more associated with left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy than brachial BP. Central pulse pressure, in contrast to brachial BP, is significantly associated with the R+S index (p=0,0085), as well as RI (p=0,0038) and RaVL (p=0,0039) wave amplitude. Central systolic aortic BP, in contrast to brachial systolic BP, is significantly associated with RI (p=0,042) and RaVL (p=0,029) wave amplitudes. Amplification parameters of central aortic BP, regardless of brachial BP, are associated with indices of left ventricular hypertrophy. Pulse pressure amplification in groups with or without left ventricular hypertrophy, standardized for age, gender, height, waist circumference, heart rate, triglyceride levels, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood glucose, and brachial pulse pressure, was 13,3 mm Hg and 12,5 mm Hg, respectively (p=0,035).Conclusion.The results of this study substantiate the relevance of the practical use of central aortic BP parameters in addition to the office measurement of brachial BP.

Blood pressure variability and its association with echocardiographic parameters in hypertensive diabetic patients.

BackgroundBlood pressure (BP) variability is associated with target organ damage in hypertension and diabetes. The 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24 h-ABPM) has been proposed as an evaluation for BP variability using several indexes [standard deviation (SD) of mean BP, coefficient of variation (CV), BP variation over time (time-rate index)].MethodsWe evaluated the association between BP variability measured by 24 h-ABPM indexes and echocardiographic variables in a cross-sectional study in 305 diabetic-hypertensive patients.ResultsTwo groups were defined by the median (0.55 mmHg/min) of time-rate systolic BP (SBP) index and classified as low or high variability. Age was 57.3 ± 6.2 years, 196 (64.3 %) were female. Diabetes duration was 10.0 (5.0–16.2) years, HbA1c was 8.2 ± 1.9 %. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between low (n = 148) and high (n = 157) variability groups. Office SBP and systolic 24 h-ABPM were higher in the high variability group (139.9 mmHg vs 146.0 mmHg, P = 0.006; 128.3 mmHg vs 132.9 mmHg, P = 0.019, respectively). Time-rate index, SD and CV of SBP, were higher in high variability group (P < 0.001; P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Time-rate index was not independently associated with the echocardiography’s variables in multiple linear model when adjusting for age, 24 h-ABPM, diabetes duration and HbA1c. The multiple linear regression model revealed that the significant and independent determinants for septum thickness, relative wall thickness and posterior wall thickness (parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy) were: age (p = 0.025; p = 0.010; p = 0.032, respectively) and 24 h-SBP (p < 0.001 in the three parameters).ConclusionBP variability estimated by 24 h-ABPM is not independently associated with echocardiographic parameters in diabetic-hypertensive patients.

Performance of Sokolow-Lyon index in detection of echocardiographically diagnosed left ventricular hypertrophy in a normal Eastern German population - results of the CARLA study.

BackgroundArterial hypertension is a common disease with high prevalence in the general population. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor in arterial hypertension. Electrocardiographic indices like the Sokolow-Lyon index (SLI) are recommended as diagnostic screening methods for LVH.We assessed the diagnostic performance of the SLI in a cohort of a large general population.MethodsWe used electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data from the prospective, population-based cohort study CARdio-vascular Disease, Living and Ageing in Halle (CARLA). Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association of SLI with LVH. To assess the impact of the body-mass-index (BMI), we performed interaction analyses.ResultsAUC of SLI to predict LVH was 55.3 %, sensitivity of the SLI was 5 %, specificity 97 %. We found a significant association of SLI after covariate-adjustment with echocardiographically detected LVH (increase of left-ventricular mass index, LVMI 7.0 g/m2 per 1 mV increase of SLI, p < 0.0001). However, this association was mainly caused by an association of SLI with the left-ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd, increase of 0.06 cm/m2 per 1 mV increase of SLI, p < 0.0001). In obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) we found the strongest association with an increase of 9.2 g/m2 per 1 mV.ConclusionsAlthough statistically significant, relations of SLI and echocardiographic parameters of LVH were weak and mainly driven by the increase in LVIDd, implicating a more eccentric type of LVH in the collective. The relations were strongest when obese subjects were taken into account. Our data do not favour the SLI as a diagnostic screening test to identify patients at risk for LVH, especially in non-obese subjects without eccentric LVH.

Short-term beat-to-beat variability of the QT interval is increased and correlates with parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Stratification models for the prediction of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are inappropriate in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We investigated conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization parameters and the beat-to-beat short-term QT interval variability (QT-STV), a new parameter of proarrhythmic risk, in 37 patients with HCM (21 males, average age 48 ± 15 years). Resting ECGs were recorded for 5 min and the frequency corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), beat-to-beat short-term variability of QT interval (QT-STV), and the duration of terminal part of T waves (Tpeak-Tend) were calculated. While all repolarization parameters were significantly increased in patients with HCM compared with the controls (QTc, 488 ± 61 vs. 434 ± 23 ms, p < 0.0001; QT-STV, 4.5 ± 2 vs. 3.2 ± 1 ms, p = 0.0002; Tpeak-Tend duration, 107 ± 27 vs. 91 ± 10 ms, p = 0.0015; QTd, 47 ± 17 vs. 34 ± 9 ms, p = 0.0002), QT-STV had the highest relative increase (+41%). QT-STV also showed the best correlation with indices of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, i.e., maximal LV wall thickness normalized for body surface area (BSA; r = 0.461, p = 0.004) or LV mass (determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) normalized for BSA (r = 0.455, p = 0.015). In summary, beat-to-beat QT-STV showed the most marked increase in patients with HCM and may represent a novel marker that merits further testing for increased SCD risk in HCM.

PP.01.13

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of beta – blocker carvedilol alone or in combination with metabolic agent trimetazidine in patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and stable effort angina (SEA). Design and method: Sixty two patients with mild ISH,SEA and documented coronary artery disease (CAD),aged 55 – 64 years, were randomly assigned to carvedilol 25 mg daily (group A-31 patients) and carvedilol 25 mg daily with trimetazidine MR 35 mg twice daily (group B-31 patients). Echocardiography and treadmill exercise tests were performed at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. The parameters of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy were evaluated. Differences in the efficacy parameters were analysed using 2-tailed Student's t test for quantitative parameters. At baseline there were no significant differences between the groups. Results: At the end of the study systolic BP was lowered in both groups to less than 140 mm Hg. LV mass index reduced from 154,2 ± 6,4 to 122,5 ± 2,7 g/m2 with carvedilol and from 155,3 ± 6,1 to 123,1 ± 3,1 g/m2 with carvedilol and trimetazidine MR in combination (p < 0,05 for both groups). At the end of the study time to 1 mm ST segment depression compared to baseline increased by 9,8 % in group A(p < 0,01) and by 19,6 % in group B(p < 0,001). Time to onset of angina increased by 12,1 % in group A(p < 0,01) and by 20,1 % in group B (p < 0,001). Maximum ST segment depression compared to baseline passed by 7,1 % in group A(p < 0,01) and by 15,1 % in group B (p < 0,001). Mean number of anginal attacks per week decreased by 21,9 % in group A(p < 0,01) and by 35,6 % in group B (p < 0,001). There was no significant difference between two groups for grade of anginal pain. Conclusions: Therapy with beta-blocker induced qualitative antihypertensive effect and qualitative effect on the parameters of LV hypertrophy in patients with ISH and CAD. Combination treatment using beta-blocker and metabolic agent produced significant improvements in exercise stress tests and reduced clinical symptoms compared to beta-blocker alone.

PP.05.10

Objective: Patients with essential hypertension (EH) complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have a high risk of cardiovascular events.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of combination therapy with Valsartan and Amlodipine on BP,left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy,LV diastolic function in patients with EH, type 2 DM and LV hypertrophy. Design and method: Fifty-eight patients with moderate EH,type 2 DM and LV hypertrophy were randomly assigned to Valsartan (80 mg)+Amlodipine (5 mg) in combination once a day(30 males and 28 females).Doppler -and 2-dimensional echocardiography were performed at baseline and after 12 months of therapy.The parameters of LV hypertrophy,ratio of the early filling velocity (E) to the late filling velocity (A)-E/A ratio,isovoluming relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT) were evaluated.LV mass index (LV mass/body surface area) was calculated according to the Devereux formula.Statistical comparisons were performed by 2-tailed Student's t test for quantitative parameters. Results: All patients comleted the study without showing intolerance or side effects to the drugs.At the end of the study therapy normalized BP (126,2 ± 3,3/74,5 ± 1,9 mm Hg vs 166,41 ± 5,4/104,3 ± 4,1 mm Hg,p < 0,01) in 94,8% of patients.LV mass index reduced from 158,1 ± 5,7 to 132,5 ± 2,8 g/m2.(p < 0,01) in 79,3 % of patients.At the end of the study E/A ratio increased from 0,91 ± 0,01 to 1,36 ± 0,02 (p < 0,001) in 82,8 % of patients.IVRT decreased from 103,2 ± 5,2 to 74,2 ± 3,1 msec (p < 0,01) in 81,0% of patients.DT passed from 168,2 ± 7,9 to 128,1 ± 3,0 msec (p < 0,01) in 84,5% of patients. Conclusions: BP control was stable and effective until the end of the study.Combination therapy with Valsartan+Amlodipine,wich have complementary mechanisms of action,demonstrated qualitative regression of LV hypertrophy and improvement of LV diastolic function in patients with moderate EH complicated by type 2 DM.In addition,this combination attenuated the side effects of each component.

QT interval, general mortality and the role of echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy: Results from the prospective, population-based CARLA study.

There is convincing evidence of an association between the QT interval on electrocardiograms and general mortality. However, results are inconclusive regarding the extent to which this association depends on ventricular mass and size. Data were obtained from the prospective, population-based CARLA study, with a mean follow-up of 8.8 years, after exclusion of subjects with atrial fibrillation (919 men, 797 women aged 45-83 years remained eligible). Echocardiographic parameters were left ventricular mass index, left ventricular diastolic dimension index, diastolic interventricular septum thickness, diastolic left ventricular posterior wall and the relative left ventricular wall thickness. Heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) was measured with standard 12-lead electrocardiograms using the MEANS algorithm. The association between QTc and survival was modelled using Cox-regression models (crude- and covariate-adjusted). Values were standardized by dividing the QTc by the standard deviation. The association between QTc and survival was assessed in terms of tertiles of echocardiographic parameters. In covariate-adjusted models, QTc was associated with general mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.38). Compared with higher tertiles, subjects in the lowest tertile of left ventricular mass index (HR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.36) showed the strongest association with general mortality, which was also true for the lowest tertile of diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness (HR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.02). In the general population, the association between QTc and general mortality is strongest in subjects with low left ventricular mass index and diastolic thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall, thus the prognostic value of QTc needs to be interpreted with regard to these echocardiographic parameters.

Earlier onset of diabesity-Induced adverse cardiac remodeling in female compared to male mice.

Emerging evidence suggests female type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients may fare worse than males with respect to cardiovascular complications. Hence the impact of sex on relative progression of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in obese db/db mice was characterized. The changes in parameters of LV hypertrophy (heart weight, pro-hypertrophic gene expression, cardiomyocyte size) and fibrosis (LV collagen deposition and oxidative stress), in parallel with body weight and blood glucose and lipid profiles, in male and female db/db T2DM mice, at 10, 14, and 18 weeks of age, were determined. Diabesity-induced cardiac remodeling was at least comparable in female (compared to male) mice. Females exhibited enhanced systemic oxidative stress and nonesterified fatty acid levels. Progression of LV pro-hypertrophic (β-myosin heavy chain, B-type natriuretic peptide) and pro-oxidant gene expression (NADPH oxidase subunit Nox2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 PAI-I) was, however, exaggerated in females when expressed relative to 10-week-old db/db mice. Increased cardiomyocyte width was also evident earlier in db/db females than males. No other gender differences were observed. Progressive, age-dependent development of cardiac remodeling in db/db mice parallels impairments in glucose handling and oxidative stress. Certain aspects of the T2DM-induced LV remodeling response may have an earlier and/or exaggerated onset in diabetic females.

Serum β2-Microglobulin Correlates Positively with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients

Background/Aims: β₂-Microglobulin (β₂-MG) is a major protein component of dialysis-related amyloidosis. In long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients, β₂-MG amyloid deposits not only in osteoarticular tissues, but also in systemic tissues, including the heart. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum β₂-MG concentrations and echocardiographic parameters in long-term HD patients in a cross-sectional study. Methods: Measurement of serum β₂-MG concentrations and echocardiography were performed in 251 patients who had undergone HD therapy for more than 10 years. Results: The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) of the higher serum β₂-MG (≥30 mg/l) group was significantly higher than that of the lower serum β₂-MG (<30 mg/l) group (151.5 ± 45.7 vs. 137.0 ± 44.5 g/m², p = 0.020). In simple regression analyses, serum β₂-MG concentrations correlated significantly and positively with interventricular septum thickness (IVST) (r = 0.215, p < 0.001), posterior left ventricular wall thickness (PWT) (r = 0.249, p < 0.001), left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) (r = 0.252, p < 0.001), relative wall thickness (RWT) (r = 0.153, p = 0.015) and LVMI (r = 0.171, p = 0.007). Multiple regression analyses revealed that serum β₂-MG concentrations correlated significantly and positively with IVST, PWT, LVWT and RWT. Conclusion: Serum β₂-MG concentrations correlated significantly and positively with the echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in long-term HD patients. Thus, deposition of β₂-MG amyloid in the heart may be associated with LVH progression.