Background Diastolic dysfunction observed frequently in hypertensive patients independently of left ventricular hypertrophy may be a relevant risk factor. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing diastolic function with a special respect to left ventricular mass and geometry.
Material and methods In 116 hypertensive patients at average age 61,6 ± 11,9 years echocardiography with measurement of left ventricular mass (LVMI), geometry (RWT) and diastolic function (E/A, DT, IVRT, Vp, pulmonary venous flow), and blood pressure were performed.
Results Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was present in 35,3% patients (concentric in 31,9%, excentric in 68,1%). Impaired relaxation was comparable in patients with and without LVH (40,4% vs. 46,4%, p = 0,53). Independently of left ventricular mass concentric in comparison with excentric geometry was related to diastolic function impairment. In a model of multifactorial regression analysis with age, sex, SBP, DBF, HR, EF and RWT as offered independent variables into the model among analyzed parameters there was observed relationship of E, E/A and DT with RWT. Age was related to A, E/A, Vp, pS, pS/pD and pA. A and IVRT were influenced by HR, and Vp by EF. The relationship between LVMI and any diastolic function parameter was not observed.
Conclusions In hypertensive patients any relationship between left ventricular mass index and echocardiographic — classical and novel - diastolic function parameters was not observed. Anyway, concentric remodeling or hypertrophy as compared with excentric geometry was connected with a worsening of diastolic properties.