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Conscious sedation with midazolam or propofol does not alter left ventricular diastolic performance in patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction: a transmitral and tissue Doppler transthoracic echocardiography study.

UNLABELLED: The effects of midazolam and propofol on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function have not been evaluated in humans. We tested the hypothesis that midazolam and propofol alter LV diastolic function evaluated with transmitral and tissue Doppler transthoracic echocardiography in patients with normal LV systolic function in the presence and absence of preexisting diastolic dysfunction. After IRB approval and informed consent, patients (n = 34) with normal or reversed transmitral blood flow velocity E-to-A ratios received 3 escalating doses of midazolam (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg) or propofol (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) over 10 s at 5-min intervals. Hemodynamic variables and indices of diastolic function were recorded 3 min after each dose of midazolam and propofol. Patients with diastolic dysfunction demonstrated decreased ratios of peak transmitral E-to-A wave velocity and their corresponding time-velocity integrals as compared with normal patients. Reductions in anterior and posterior mitral annulus E/A ratios were also present. Midazolam and propofol did not further alter indices of LV diastolic function in patients with impaired early LV filling. The results indicate that sedation with midazolam or propofol does not affect indices of LV diastolic performance in healthy patients and those with preexisting diastolic dysfunction. IMPLICATIONS: Sedation with midazolam or propofol does not alter indices of left ventricular diastolic function in healthy patients and those with preexisting left ventricular filling abnormalities as evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography.

Adult↗

Mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction in heart failure.

Abnormalities of diastole are common to most forms of congestive heart failure (HF). Diastolic function is broadly defined as the ability of the heart to fill adequately and at normal pressure to charge the ventricular pump for each subsequent contraction. It is determined by both active and passive processes occurring at the level of the myocyte, extracellular matrix, and left ventricular chamber. Forces extrinsic to the myocardium-such as the influence of right heart filling, pericardial and extracardiac constraints, and cardiac preload and afterload also contribute. Nearly half of patients with HF have apparently preserved systolic function, and this has focused attention on diastolic dysfunction as a dominant contributor to symptoms, sparking interest for understanding and treating diastolic abnormalities. This review focuses on the mechanisms determining normal and pathologic cardiac relaxation and distensibility and highlights how these abnormalities may be therapeutically targeted to improve diastolic function in human HF.

Diastole↗

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: an early sign of diabetic cardiomyopathy?

The existence of a diabetic cardiomyopathy has been proposed as evidence has accumulated for the presence of myocardial dysfunction in diabetic patients in the absence of ischemic, valvular or hypertensive heart disease. Diastolic dysfunction has been described as an early sign of this diabetic heart muscle disease preceding the systolic damage. Abnormalities in diastolic performance have been first demonstrated by cardiac catheterisation and subsequently by mainly using echocardiography. The pathogenesis of this left ventricular dysfunction is not clearly understood. Microangiopathy, increased extracellular collagen deposition, or abnormalities in calcium transport alone or in combination are considered to be associated with this dysfunction. The relationship between diastolic dysfunction and glycemic control is still a matter of debate. Some epidemiological and clinical arguments suggest that diastolic abnormalities may contribute to the high morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. However, the prognostic importance of subclinical diastolic dysfunction and the possibilities for intervention are not fully known. Eventually, despite numerous studies, evidence of an intrinsic diastolic dysfunction in diabetes mellitus remains questionable. Indeed, quite contradictory results have been reported. They have been obtained in small, inhomogeneous populations, with sometimes confounding factors, using various echocardiographic indices with known limitations. Also, further studies using more refined techniques for the evaluation of diastolic function are needed, as a prerequisite, to unequivocally relate diabetes mellitus to a specific cardiomyopathy.

Blood Glucose↗

Diastolic dysfunction without left ventricular hypertrophy is an early finding in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-causing mutations in the beta-myosin heavy chain, alpha-tropomyosin, and myosin-binding protein C genes.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and features of diastolic dysfunction in genotype-confirmed children from families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and healthy control children. BACKGROUND: In subjects with HCM-causing mutations, LVH usually does not evolve until adolescence. Diastolic dysfunction has not been systematically evaluated in children carrying HCM-causing mutations. METHODS: All children (aged 1.5-16.7 years) from 14 HCM families with identified disease-causing mutations (the Arg719Trp mutation in the beta-myosin heavy chain gene [MYH7], the Asp175Asn mutation in the alpha-tropomyosin gene [TPM1], the Gln1061X mutation in the myosin-binding protein C gene [MYBPC3], and the IVS5-2A-->C mutation in the MYBPC3 gene) and 53 matched control children were examined with electrocardiography and 2- and 3-dimensional echocardiography (2DE and 3DE). Natriuretic peptides were measured in children from HCM families and 67 control children. RESULTS: Of 53 children from HCM families, 27 (51%) had a disease-causing mutation (G+). G+ children had slightly thicker septum on 2DE compared with the control children (P = .004), but only 3 (11%) of 27 G+ children exceeded the 95th percentile values of the body surface area-adjusted maximal LV thickness of healthy children (the major echocardiographic criterion for HCM). However, prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time, increased left atrial volume on 3DE, or increased levels of NT-proANP, all features suggestive of diastolic dysfunction, were found in 14 (52%) of 27 G+ children. CONCLUSIONS: In children with HCM-causing mutations, signs of diastolic dysfunction are found in about half of the cases, as LVH is present only in small percentage of these children.

Adolescent↗

Diastolic dysfunction in hypertension.

Heart failure is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and hypertension is the most common cause of cardiac failure. Recent studies have shown that isolated diastolic dysfunction very often accompanies hypertensive heart disease. Ventricular diastolic function may be divided into an active relaxation phase and a passive compliance period. These two components have been investigated invasively, and they remain the gold standards for the study of diastolic function. However, in the routine clinical setting, echocardiographic and Doppler techniques are most useful for evaluating ventricular filling. Thus, analysis of E and A waves of mitral flow have provided important and useful information. Unfortunately, these indices depend on too many factors. Newer indices obtained from ventricular time intervals, tissue Doppler imaging, and color M-mode echocardiography have enhanced the means to assess diastolic function. In addition, new methods including MRI and cine CT have also provided better understanding of left ventricular filling in hypertension. Using these techniques, diastolic dysfunction has been found to be common in patients with hypertension, even before left ventricular hypertrophy is demonstrable and before hypertension in young, normotensive male offspring of hypertensive parents has developed. Furthermore, it has been made clear recently that myocardial ischemia and fibrosis are two important factors associated with diastolic dysfunction in hypertension.

Diastole↗

Postoperative pulmonary edema secondary to diastolic dysfunction in a patient with a previous heart transplant.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with preserved contractility is being recognized with increasing frequency. We describe a 53-year-old man who had undergone heart transplantation 10 years previously, who was now scheduled for renal biopsy for progressive and unexplained decline in renal function. Hypertension from pain or a stress response, increases in preload, and tachycardia predispose patients with chronic left ventricular diastolic dysfunction to pulmonary edema. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment. We recommend echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function when preoperative evaluation of left ventricular function is considered for these patients.

Biopsy↗

Cystatin C, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction: data from the Heart and Soul Study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired kidney function, as measured by serum cystatin C, is associated with risk of incident heart failure. Whether cystatin C is associated with preclinical cardiac structural abnormalities is unknown. We evaluate whether cystatin C is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and systolic dysfunction among 818 outpatients with coronary artery disease who were free of clinical heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 818 study participants were categorized into quartiles based on serum cystatin C concentrations, with < or =0.91 mg/L constituting the lowest quartile (I) and > or =1.28 mg/L constituting the highest (IV). Left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass index >90 g/m(2) by truncated ellipsoid method), diastolic dysfunction (impaired relaxation, pseudo-normal, or restrictive filling patterns) and systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < or =50%) were determined by echocardiography. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 68% of participants in quartile IV, compared with 44% of those in quartile I (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 3.52; P = .002). Diastolic dysfunction was present in 52% of participants in quartile IV, compared with 24% of those in quartile I (adjusted OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.04 to 3.11; P = .04). Systolic dysfunction was present in 12% of those in quartile IV, compared with 6% of those in quartile I (adjusted OR 1.83; 95% CI 0.75 to 4.46; P = .15). CONCLUSION: Higher cystatin C concentrations are strongly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in outpatients with coronary artery disease and without heart failure.

Aged↗

Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in normotensive, asymptomatic patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To evaluate the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus free of cardiovascular disease, we studied 86 normotensive men and women (mean age 46 +/- 6 years) with Doppler echocardiography. All subjects were asymptomatic for ischemic heart disease or heart failure. The traditional transmitral filling patterns were used to characterize diastolic physiology. The Valsalva maneuver was used to differentiate normal from pseudonormal LV filling pattern. All patients had a normal electrocardiogram at rest and a negative result on exercise echocardiography for inducible wall motion abnormalities. Global LV systolic function was normal (mean LV ejection fraction 58%, range 53% to 76%). Diastolic dysfunction was found in 41 subjects (47%) of which 26 (30%) had impaired relaxation and 15 (17%) had a pseudonormal filling pattern. The mean LV mass index was 101 g/m2 (range 86 to 122). All patients with a normal-filling physiology had gender-adjusted normal LV mass index (mean 93 +/- 11 g/m2), whereas 62% of those with either abnormal relaxation (mean 103 +/- 12 g/m2, p <0.001) or a pseudonormal pattern (mean 110 +/- 12 g/m2, p <0.001) had increased LV mass index. No subject in this cohort had restrictive diastolic physiology. In conclusion, diastolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is often found despite adequate metabolic control and freedom from clinically detectable heart disease. The Valsalva maneuver can unmask an additional 17% of patients with subclinical abnormal LV filling pattern, who otherwise would be classified as having a normal diastolic physiology. Increased LV mass index is closely associated with abnormal LV filling characteristics.

Adult↗

Isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: implications for exercise left ventricular performance in patients without congestive heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical relevance of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in the absence of congestive heart failure (CHF) and LV systolic dysfunction is not fully established. METHODS: Asymptomatic outpatients, sedentary, with cardiovascular risk factors but no history of cardiovascular events, underwent echocardiographic evaluation of LV structure and function by standard Doppler, color M-mode, and Doppler tissue methods, and exercise testing with simultaneous noninvasive assessment of LV stroke index and cardiac index. LV ejection fraction less than 50% and significant valvular disease or stress test suggestive of coronary disease were additional exclusion criteria. RESULTS: In 70 patients selected (40 +/- 10 years old, 63% men, 34% hypertensive, 34% diabetic, 4% diabetic and hypertensive, 11% with LV hypertrophy), LV diastolic dysfunction was detected in 26%, which was associated with hypertension, higher LV mass index, lower systolic function, lower peak exercise heart rate, and chronotropic reserve (all P < .05), and with lower peak exercise stroke index and cardiac index (both covariates adjusted P < .05), but not with lower peak exercise metabolic equivalents (P > .5). Abnormal LV relaxation was independently correlated with lower peak exercise cardiac index and stroke index (both P < .05). Peak exercise systolic and cardiac indices were comparable between patients with CHF risk factors (74%) versus those without. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated LV diastolic dysfunction was independently associated with lower peak exercise LV systolic performance in patients without CHF. Its diagnosis may provide a target for aggressive CHF risk management.

Adult↗

Combined systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) suggests isolated diastolic dysfunction. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine if systolic and diastolic dysfunction occurred with preserved LVEF. METHODS: Equilibrium resting radionuclide ventriculograms from 439 patients with an LVEF >/=0.50 were used to determine LV peak filling rate (PFR) and peak ejection rate (PER) in end-diastolic volumes per second and LV end-systolic volume (ml). Patients with low-normal (n=147; range, 0.50-0.58; mean+/-S.D., 0.53+/-0.02), intermediate-normal (161, 0.59-0.64, 0.61+/-0.02), and high-normal (131, 0.65-0.94, 0.72+/-0.06) LVEF were compared. RESULTS: From low-normal to intermediate-normal to high-normal LVEF, LV end-systolic volume decreased (93+/-36, 71+/-33, 43+/-26, respectively, P<0.0001), PFR increased (2.31+/-0.74, 2.58+/-0.74, 3.15+/-0.94, P<0.0001), PER increased (-2.78+/-0.50, -3.13+/-0.47, -3.83+/-0.84, P<0.0001), the percentages of patients with abnormal PFR decreased (66, 56, 40, P<.0001), and the percentage with abnormal PER decreased (47, 14, 5, P<0.0001). Of 193 patients with preserved LVEF and abnormally low PFR, 65 (34%) had abnormally low PER. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a preserved LVEF was often associated with LV systolic dysfunction (enlarged LV end-systolic volume and low PER) and LV diastolic dysfunction (decreased PFR).

Aged↗

Serum cystatin C and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in children with chronic kidney disease.

Previous studies indicate that serum cystatin C predicts incident heart failure in older adults. Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, often the initial abnormality of cardiac function. We hypothesized that cystatin C might predict LV diastolic dysfunction in children with CKD. Fifty-seven subjects, aged 6-21 years, with stage 2-4 CKD underwent echocardiography. Diastole was assessed from transmitral Doppler [maximum early (E wave) and late (A wave) diastolic flow velocities (E/A ratio)] and from tissue Doppler [septal mitral annular peak velocities (E')]. LV filling pressures were determined, using a ratio of E/E'. Fourteen (25%) patients had low E' and 15 (26%) had high E/E'. Children with abnormal E' or E/E' had significantly higher cystatin C levels than children with normal indices (P<0.05). Neither serum creatinine nor measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) significantly correlated with E' or E/E'. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that cystatin C (beta=-0.825, P=0.023) and left ventricular mass (LVM) index (beta=0.099, P=0.006) independently predicted E'; LVM index independently predicted E/E' (beta=0.0173, P=0.01). We conclude that, in contrast to measured GFR or serum creatinine level, elevated serum cystatin C might be associated with diastolic dysfunction in children with CKD.

Adolescent↗

Losartan improves exercise tolerance in patients with diastolic dysfunction and a hypertensive response to exercise.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that angiotensin II (Ang II) blockade would improve exercise tolerance in patients with diastolic dysfunction and a marked increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during exercise. BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction may be exacerbated during exercise, especially if there is a marked increase in SBP. Angiotensin II may contribute to the hypertensive response to exercise and impair diastolic performance. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of two weeks of losartan (50 mg q.d.) on exercise tolerance and quality of life. The subjects were 20 patients, mean age 64 +/- 10 years with normal left ventricular systolic function (EF >50%), no ischemia on stress echocardiogram, mitral flow velocity E/A <1, normal resting SBP (<150 mm Hg), and a hypertensive response to exercise (SBP >200 mm Hg). Exercise echocardiograms (Modified Bruce Protocol) and the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure questionnaire were administered at baseline, and after each two-week treatment period, separated by a two-week washout period. RESULTS: Resting blood pressure (BP) was unaltered by placebo or losartan. During control, patients were able to exercise for 11.3 +/- 2.5 (mean +/- SD) min, with a peak exercise SBP of 226 +/- 24 mm Hg. After two weeks of losartan, baseline BP was unaltered, but peak SBP during exercise decreased to 193 +/- 27 mm Hg (p < 0.05 vs. baseline and placebo), and exercise time increased to 12.3 +/- 2.6 min (p < 0.05 vs. baseline and placebo). With placebo, there was no improvement in exercise duration (11.0 +/- 2.0 min) or peak exercise SBP (217 +/- 26 mm Hg). Quality of life improved with losartan (18 +/- 22, p < 0.05) compared to placebo (22 +/- 26). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with Doppler evidence of diastolic dysfunction at rest and a hypertensive response to exercise, Ang II receptor blockade blunts the hypertensive response to exercise, increases exercise tolerance and improves quality of life.

Adult↗

Role of transesophageal echocardiography in assessing diastolic dysfunction in a large clinical practice: a 9-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with respiratory monitoring has been used to characterize diseases that impair diastolic function. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has emerged as a complementary technique to evaluate patients with these diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in a large clinical practice the utility of TEE with respiratory monitoring for classification of patients with diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: Over a 9-year period TEE was used to examine 192 patients referred to an echocardiography laboratory for additional evaluation of abnormal diastolic function. We performed pulsed-wave Doppler TEE of the left ventricular inflow and pulmonary veins and respiratory monitoring to categorize patients as showing restrictive physiologic features, constriction with or without effusion, mixed constriction and restriction, abnormal relaxation, pseudonormalization, large pericardial effusion or tamponade, or normal diastolic function. RESULTS: Patients with diastolic dysfunction underwent 3% of the total number of transesophageal studies conducted during the study period. Among the 192 patients referred for TEE, abnormal diastolic function was found in 181 (94%); 11 (6%) had normal diastolic function. Seventy-one (39%) of the 181 patients had restrictive physiologic features. Constrictive pericarditis was found in 54 (30%) of the patients and was confirmed for all 31 patients who underwent pericardiectomy. Mixed constriction and restriction was present in 21 (12%) of the patients. The other 35 patients (19%) had abnormal relaxation, pseudonormalization, or large pericardial effusion or tamponade. The cause of diastolic dysfunction was idiopathic for 32% of the patients, previous cardiac operation for 26%, cardiac amyloidosis for 23%, radiation therapy for 11%, and hypertension or advanced ischemic heart disease for 8%. CONCLUSION: Two-dimensional and Doppler TEE with respiratory monitoring is useful in categorizing patients with impaired diastolic function, primarily into those with restrictive physiologic features or constrictive pericarditis.

Adult↗

Heart failure from diastolic dysfunction related to hypertension: guidelines for management.

PURPOSE: To provide advanced practice nurses with a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnostics, and management of diastolic dysfunction resulting from hypertension. DATA SOURCES: Electronic database searches were performed using Medline and CINAHL. Data were obtained from medical textbooks and research and review articles. CONCLUSIONS: As the number of older adults with heart failure (HF) continues to increase, so will the need for effective care and guidance. In addition to further testing of appropriate pharmacologic regimens, adherence factors such as medication costs and patients' functional abilities must be considered. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: HF resulting from diastolic dysfunction has emerged as a separate entity over the past 10-15 years. One of the most common causes of diastolic dysfunction is uncontrolled hypertension. Populations at greatest risk include elders, particularly women, and African Americans.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Effect of isoflurane on echocardiographic left-ventricular relaxation indices in patients with diastolic dysfunction due to concentric hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether isoflurane, a known negative lusitropic agent, exacerbates diastolic dysfunction in patients with preexisting impaired relaxation. DESIGN: Prospective, experimental study. SETTING: Single-institution, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with diastolic dysfunction due to concentric hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. INTERVENTIONS: After approval of the local ethics committee and informed consent, patients randomly received sufentanil/midazolam anesthesia plus either 0.5 to 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (n = 15) or weight-adjusted boli of urapidil (n = 10) during preparation of the internal mammary artery. Changes in hemodynamic parameters and echocardiographic diastolic indices before and after drug administration were compared. Filling pressures during the study were kept constant within normal range. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamic changes measured by invasive arterial and pulmonary arterial pressures were comparable between isoflurane and urapidil. Both interventions led to a marked reduction in afterload that was accompanied by a significant increase in thermodilution cardiac output and stroke volume. Transesophageal echocardiographic relaxation indices were also comparable between groups. Transmitral and tissue Doppler E waves increased significantly, leading to larger E/A and Em/Am ratios; whereas the deceleration time and the isovolumetric relaxation time decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Isoflurane did not exacerbate diastolic dysfunction in patients with concentric hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease. In contrast, isoflurane led to a "normalization" of the relaxation pattern that was attributed to a reduction in left-ventricular loading conditions.

Aged↗

What mechanisms underlie diastolic dysfunction in heart failure?

Abnormalities of diastolic function are common to virtually all forms of cardiac failure. However, their underlying mechanisms, precise role in the generation and phenotypic expression of heart failure, and value as specific therapeutic targets remain poorly understood. A growing proportion of heart failure patients, particularly among the elderly, have apparently preserved systolic function, and this is fueling interest for better understanding and treating diastolic abnormalities. Much of the attention in clinical and experimental studies has focused on relaxation and filling abnormalities of the heart, whereas chamber stiffness has been less well studied, particularly in humans. Nonetheless, new insights from basic and clinical research are helping define the regulators of diastolic dysfunction and illuminate novel targets for treatment. This review puts these developments into perspective with the major aim of highlighting current knowledge gaps and controversies.

Adult↗

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinse-1 is a marker of diastolic dysfunction using tissue doppler in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is associated with increased fibrosis of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Myocardial stiffness is a feature of diastolic dysfunction. We assessed circulating TIMP-1 as a marker of diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, who were compared with healthy controls. METHODS: We recruited 54 patients (43 males; mean age 68 +/- 5 years) with treated type 2 DM (i.e. controlled glycaemia, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia), 35 (30 males; 69 +/- 8 years) treated nondiabetic hypertensives, and 31 healthy controls (18 males; 66 +/- 5 years). Circulating TIMP-1 was measured by ELISA. Using transthoracic echocardiography, the early (E) diastolic mitral inflow velocity was measured with pulse wave Doppler, and the early mitral annular velocity (e'), a recognized index of diastolic relaxation, was measured with tissue Doppler. The E/A ratio was also calculated and isovolumic relaxation time measured. RESULTS: Mean e' levels differed significantly between controls, diabetics and hypertensives (P < 0.0001). Circulating TIMP-1 was significantly different between patients and controls (P = 0.006), but there was no statistically significant difference between the DM and hypertension group. In both groups, only e' was negatively correlated with TIMP-1 levels, with a stronger correlation among the hypertensive patients (Spearman r = -0.544, P = 0.001) when compared with the diabetic group (r = -0.341, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Diastolic relaxation is impaired in diabetes and hypertensive patients. The relationship between TIMP-1 and e' may reflect increased myocardial fibrosis and consequent diastolic dysfunction, which may be more prominent in hypertension.

Aged↗

Combined right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction represents a strong determinant of poor prognosis in patients with symptomatic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The presence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction is known to significantly worsen prognosis of patients with heart failure. However, the prognostic impact of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction and of its combination with right ventricular systolic dysfunction and with other prognostic markers has not yet been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of combined right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with symptomatic heart failure due to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: The study included 177 consecutive patients with symptomatic heart failure (mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 23%). All patients underwent clinical and laboratory examination, standard echocardiography completed by Doppler tissue imaging of the tricuspid annular motion, and right-sided heart catheterization. They were followed up for a mean period of 16 months (range, 1-48 months). RESULTS: During the follow-up, there were 28 cardiac-related deaths and 35 non-fatal cardiac events (31 hospitalizations for heart failure decompensation and 4 hospitalizations for malignant arrhythmias requiring the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator). The multivariate stepwise Cox regression modeling revealed the right ventricular systolic (represented by the peak systolic tricuspid annular velocity-Sa) and diastolic (represented by the peak early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity-Ea) function to be the independent predictors of event-free survival or survival (p<0.01). The Sa separated better between patients with and without the risk of cardiac events (p<0.05), while the Ea appeared to further distinguish patients with increased risk (those at risk of late event from those at risk of early non-fatal event and early death). The strongest predictive information was obtained by the combination of Sa and Ea creating the Sa/Ea categories. The Sa/Ea I category of patients (Sa>or=10.8 cm s(-1) and Ea>or=8.9 cm s(-1)) had excellent prognosis. On the other hand, the Sa/Ea IV category (Sa<10.8 cm s(-1) and Ea<8.9 cm s(-1)) was found to be at a very high risk of cardiac events (p<0.001 vs. Sa/Ea I). Imbalanced categories of patients (Sa/Ea II and III) with only one component (Sa or Ea) pathologically decreased were at medium risk when assessing event-free survival. However, a significantly better survival (p<0.05) was found in patients with Ea>or=8.9 cm s(-1) (Sa/Ea I and III categories) as compared with those having Ea<8.9 cm s(-1) (Sa/Ea II and IV categories). Thus, in contrast to event-free survival, the survival pattern was determined mainly by the Ea value with only little additional contribution of Sa. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of right ventricular systolic and diastolic function provides complementary information with a very high power to stratify prognosis of patients with heart failure. The combination of right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction identifies those with a very poor prognosis.

Blood Flow Velocity↗