Network Meta-analysis of oral blood-activating and stasis-removing Chinese patent medicines in treatment of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy / 中国中药杂志

This study was designed to assess the clinical efficacy of oral blood-activating and stasis-removing Chinese patent medicines in treating hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) based on network Meta-analysis. The clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs) concerning the treatment of hypertensive LVH with oral blood-activating and stasis-removing Chinese patent medicines were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from their inception to September 2021. Two researchers independently completed the literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation. The data were then analyzed by RevMan 5.3, Stata 15.1, and ADDIS 1.16.8. Finally, a total of 31 RCTs were included, involving 3 001 patients and four oral blood-activating and stasis-removing Chinese patent medicines. In terms of the alleviation of heart damage, the Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine groups were superior to the conventional western medicine groups in lo-wering the left ventricular mass index(LVMI). There was no significant difference in LVMI, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), or the ratio of early diastolic peak flow velocity to late diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A) between different Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine groups. Xinnao Shutong Capsules/Tablets combined with conventional western medicine had the best efficacy in reducing LVMI and elevating LVEF, while Xinkeshu Capsules/Tablets combined with conventional western medicine had the best effect in improving E/A. In the control of blood pressure, when all Chinese patent medicines except for Xinnao Shutong Capsules/Tablets were combined with conventional western medicine, the resulting systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP) were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group. Xinkeshu Capsules/Tablets combined with conventional western medicine produced the best effect in reducing SBP and DBP, followed by Xinnao Shutong Capsules/Tablets. In terms of safety, no serious adverse reactions occurred in all trials. The four oral blood-activating and stasis-removing Chinese patent medicines included in this study exhibited obvious advantages in the treatment of hypertensive LVH when they were combined with conventional western medicine, with the best effects observed in the Xinnao Shutong Capsules/Tablets combined with conventional western medicine group. However, due to the limitation of the quantity and quality of the included articles, the conclusion of this study still needs to be verified by more high-quality, multi-center, and large-sample RCTs.

A Correlation Of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy(Eccentric) With Anthropometric Measurements Of Obese Adults

INTRODUCTION :- Obesity represent a state of ↑adipose tissue mass and is a precursor of many diseases . Obesity is a independent risk factor for stroke MI, Arrhythmias. structural and functional changes in the heart appears long before the detection of these overt clinical diseases. And these changes are better visualized by Echocardiography.The Echo diagnosis of LVH in obese help to prevent life threatening complication of obesity. AIM/OBJECTIVE:-[1]To study a correlation of left ventricular hypertrophy(eccentric) with anthropometric measurements of obese adults as an independent prognostic marker for Obesity. [2] To study LVH as represented by Left Ventricular Mass and its comparison with (a)BMI (Body Mass Index), (b)BSA(Body Surface Area) and (c)WHR(Waist To Hip Ratio). MATERIAL & METHOD:-All adults patient attending the Medicine OPD in two year duration were enrolled in the study.Anthropometric data collection :-Weight(Kg), Height(cm), Waist Circumference(cm), Hip Circumference(cm).Echocardiography was performed after anthropometric measurements. Two dimensional targeted M-mode measurement of LVM as recommended by American Society of echocardiography(ASE). RESULT:-The BMI was found higher in the experimental group 42.48(+/-7.35)than control group 21.69(+/-3.32).BSA & WHR both were significantly higher in experimental than control group.LVM is significantly higher in experimental group than control group. CONCLUSION:-Reduction in BMI , marker of Obesity will lead to improvement of Echocardiographic parameters of Obesity & will likely to prevent further cardiovascular morbidity & Mortality.

Role of 2-D echocardiography in detecting cardiovascular abnormalities in chronic kidney disease patients: Case series of 50 chronic kidney disease patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem worldwide with continuously increasing incidence and prevalence. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease worldwide, whereas hypertension is a cause as well as effect of chronic kidney disease. Objectives: To evaluate and analyze the echocardiographic changes in the end stage renal disease patients on maintenance haemodialysis by the help of 2-D echocardiography. Materials and methods: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who were on maintenance haemodialysis for at least 3 months, in MG hospital were included in the study. We performed 2- Dechocardiography in 50 ESRD patients during inter-dialytic period. Patients with clinical evidence of coronary artery disease, previous history of hypertension, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease and pericardial effusion were excluded from this study. Results: out of 50 chronic kidney disease patients, echocardiography revealed LVH in 29 (58%) patients, LVDD in 25(50%) patients, pericardial effusion in 10 (20%) patients, pulmonary hypertension in 23(46%) patients, dilated left atrium in 14(28%) patients, dilated left ventricle in 4 (8%) patients and regional wall motion abnormalities in 3 (6%) patients. Hypertension was present in Saxena N, Dhamija JP, Saxena S. Role of 2-D echocardiography in detecting cardiovascular abnormalities in chronic kidney disease patients: Case series of 50 chronic kidney disease patients. IAIM, 2017; 4(1): 122-126. Page 123 46 (92%) out of 50 CKD patients out of which LVH was in 29 patients. Severe Anaemia was present in 10 (20%) patients. Conclusion: LV diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy were the most common and significant echocardiographic findings among 50 CKD patients. There was statistically significant correlation between anaemia and the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and positive correlation between presence of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Evaluation of 2-D echo findings in chronic kidney disease: Case study of 35 end stage renal disease patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide with increase in incidence and prevalence. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading cause of CKD worldwide, whereas hypertension is a cause as well as effect of CKD. Objectives: To evaluate and analyze the echocardiographic changes in the end stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Materials and methods: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who were on maintenance Haemodialysis for at least 3 months, in MG hospital were included in the study. We performed 2D echocardiography in 35 ESRD patients during inter-dialytic period. Patients with clinical evidence of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease and pericardial effusion were excluded from the study. Results: Out of 35 ESRD patients, echocardiography revealed LV dilatation and diastolic dysfunction in 18 patients (51.2%) , LV hypertrophy in 17 patients (48%), systolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion in 10 patients (28.57%) and 6 patients (17.14%) respectively. RWMA was present in 3 patients (8.5%) and no valvular calcification was seen in any patient. In a sub group of 21 patients with Hb <10g%, LVH was present in 15 patients (71.42%) vs 2 out of 14 patients (14.28%) in patients group with Hb >10 g%. Hypertensive patients were 27 of 35 ESRD patients, 13 out of 27 had Dhamija JP, Saxena N, Saxena S. Evaluation of 2-D echo findings in chronic kidney disease: Case study of 35 end stage renal disease patients. IAIM, 2016; 3(9): 61-65. Page 62 higher prevalence of LVH (51.85%). Systolic dysfunction and RWMA was absent in normotensive group. Conclusion: LV diastolic dysfunction and hypertrophy were most common echocardiographic findings. There was statistically significant correlation between anaemia and presence of LVH and positive correlation between presence of hypertension and LVH.

THE CLINICAL EFFECT OF IRBESARTAN COMBINED WITH ATORVASTATIN ON LEFT VEN-TRICULAR HYPERTROPHY (LVH) IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY HYPERTENSION (EH) / 现代医院

Objective To discuss the clinical effect of irbesartan combined with atorvastin on LVH in EH patients. Methods 52 EH patients with LVH during December 2010 and December 2012 were chosen as research objects and ran-domly divided into 2 groups.Control group (24 cases) was treated with irbesartan on basis of routine treatment while observa-tion group (28 cases) was treated with irbesartan combined atorvastin on basis of routine treatment.Clinical effects of the 2 groups were observed and compared.Results After treatment, BP and LVMI of the 2 groups both improved obviously and the improvement effect of observation group was better than control group (p<0.05).Clinical effective rate of observation group was 96.43% while control group was 83.33% (p<0.05).Conclusion Irbesartan combined atorvastin is an effective medi-cation method for treatment of LVH of patients with EH and is worth of being popularized in clinical work.

Hemodynamic, morphometric and autonomic patterns in hypertensive rats - renin-angiotensin system modulation

Background: Spontaneously hypertensive rats develop left ventricular hypertrophy, increased blood pressure and blood pressure variability, which are important determinants of heart damage, like the activation of renin-angiotensin system. AIMS: To investigate the effects of the time-course of hypertension over 1) hemodynamic and autonomic patterns (blood pressure; blood pressure variability; heart rate); 2) left ventricular hypertrophy; and 3) local and systemic Renin-angiotensin system of the spontaneously hypertensive rats. Methods: Male spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomized into two groups: young (n=13) and adult (n=12). Hemodynamic signals (blood pressure, heart rate), blood pressure variability (BPV) and spectral analysis of the autonomic components of blood pressure were analyzed. LEFT ventricular hypertrophy was measured by the ratio of LV mass to body weight (mg/g), by myocyte diameter (ìm) and by relative fibrosis area (RFA, percent). ACE and ACE2 activities were measured by fluorometry (UF/min), and plasma renin activity (PRA) was assessed by a radioimmunoassay (ng/mL/h). Cardiac gene expressions of Agt, Ace and Ace2 were quantified by RT-PCR (AU). Results: The time-course of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats increased BPV and reduced the alpha index in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats. Adult rats showed increases in left ventricular hypertrophy and in RFA. Compared to young spontaneously hypertensive rats, adult spontaneously hypertensive rats had lower cardiac ACE and ACE2 activities, and high levels of PRA. No change was observed in gene expression of Renin-angiotensin system components. Conclusions: The observed autonomic dysfunction and modulation of Renin-angiotensin system activity are contributing factors to end-organ damage in hypertension and could be interacting. Our findings suggest that the management of hypertensive disease must start before blood pressure reaches the highest stable...

The clinical significance of new surrogate markers of hypertension / 대한내과학회지

Recently, the management of hypertension has focused on the prevention of target organ damage to organs such as the heart, kidney, brain, and blood vessels. To detect subclinical organ damage, several novel surrogate markers were established after amassing considerable evidence. Left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction measured by echocardiography, carotid intima-media thickness, ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, central blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and microalbuminuria have been proposed as new parameters to detect subclinical organ damage in patients with hypertension. The European guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension, published in 2007, suggested that risk stratification based on using new surrogate markers was important for classifying the stage of hypertension and choosing appropriate anti-hypertensive drugs. Therefore, these surrogate markers should be checked in the early phase of hypertension and their clinical importance considered in daily practice.

Efficacy of Irbesartan on Left Ventricular Mass and Arterial Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND: Increased aortic stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are independent risk factors of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. We have conducted a prospective study to examine the effects of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (irbesartan) on PWV and LVH in hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 52 untreated hypertensive patients (age:53.3+/-8.0 yrs) were enrolled; they had no evidence of associated cardiovascular complications. Blood pressure, heart rate, aortic PWV and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) by 2-D echocardiography were measured at baseline and after irbesartan treatment (150 mg or 300 mg/day) at 12 weeks and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Blood pressure was significantly decreased after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment compared to baseline (SBP: 134.6+/-13.3 mmHg, 134.0+/-11.0 mmHg vs 163.7+/-13.8 mmHg p<0.001, DBP: 86.0+/-10 mmHg, 83.07 mmHg vs 102.4+/-9.6 mmHg p<0.001, respectively) without significant change in heart rate. LVMI decreased at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks after treatment compared to baseline (from 145.5+/-35.1 g/m2 at baseline to 137.5+/-35.4 g/m2 at 12 weeks, p=0.017 and 135.3+/-35.4 g/m2 at 24 weeks, p=0.008). Aortic PWV was decreased after irbesartan treatment at 12 weeks (from 9.6+/-2.8 m/sec to 8.7+/-3.1 m/sec at 12 weeks, p=0.064) and at 24 weeks (from 9.6+/-2.9 m/sec to 7.7+/-2.1 m/sec at 24 weeks, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with irbesartan may reduce arterial stiffness and regression of LVH in hypertensive patients. The pleiotropic effects of irbesartan, further decreasing PWV without change of BP between 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, may have favorable vascular effects on arterial stiffness and LVH.

Relationship between body fat distribution and atherosclerotic risk factors in Korean populations / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease and associated with insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. In many studies, visceral adipose tissue is highly correlated with adverse coronary risk profile. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy also is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, few data are available concerning the relations of LV hypertrophy to body fat composition, especially in Korean subjects. Therefore, this study was intended to evaluate the relation between body fat distribution and atherosclerotic risk factors including metabolic parameters and LV mass. METHODS: Total 138 subjects who visited the healthy promotion center in Kangbuk Samsung hospital (97 men, 41 women) were to recruited to the study. Body fat distribution was assessed by Abdomial CT (computer tomography) and Bioelectrical impedance analysis (Body Composition Analyzer Inbody 2.0, Biospace, Seoul, Korea) RESULTS: Visceral adipose tissue volume was higher in male subjects while subcutaneous adipose tissue volume and % body fat were higher in female subjects (p<0.05). Serum triglyceride and uric acid level were elevated in male subjects but HDL-cholesterol level was elevated in female subjects (p0.05). Increasing age was correlated with waist-hip ratio, visceral adipose tissue volume, abdominal fat/total body fat ratio, LV mass (p0.05). Visceral adipose tissue volume was positively correlated with body mass index, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid and negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (p0.05). After adjustment for age and sex, this correlation was significantly remained. LV mass was positively correlated with body mass index, waist-hip ratio, visceral adipose tissue volume, abdominal fat/total body fat ratio (p0.05). In the multiple regression analysis, the independent predictor for LV mass was visceral adipose tissue volume (beta=0.252, p0.05). CONCLUSION: Body fat distribution is associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Especially, visceral adipose tissue is correlated with the components of metabolic syndrome and LV mass which is independent risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Influence of left ventricular hypertrophy on ventricular arrhythmias in hypertensive patients / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVES:Left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) increases the risk of sudden death in hypertensive patients and this is known due to ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, author studied the relationship between LVH as a hypertensive target organ damage and ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, measurement of microalbumin in 24-hour urine and fundoscopic examination were performed on 100 hypertensives (50 patients without LVH and 50 patients with LVH on EKG) who admitted Pusan National University Hospital. RESULTS: In patients with LVH, ventricular extrasystoles occurred more frequently than without LVH(p<0.05) and ventricular couplet and ventricular tachycardia were more common but statistically not different. Microalbuminuria and hypertensive retinopathy were more severe in patients with LVH than without LVH(p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Of the ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular extrasystole but not ventricular couplet and ventricular tachycardia occurred more frequently in patients with LVH than without LVH. Thus, prospective study with long-term follow up should be done to establish the relationship between hypertensive LVH and cardiovascular mortality, especially sudden death. And, further study should be done to make the relationship between reduction in LVH with antihypertensive therapy and reduction in LVH-associated ventricular arrhythmias.

The Cprrelation between LVH, LV Function and 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors. So it is generally thought to be a predictor of complication and prognosis of hypertension. The 24-hour noninvasive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABP) has been shown to be superior to office BP inpredicting target organ involvement in patients with hypertension and assessing antihypertensivve therapy. To determine the correlation between blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with newly diaggnosed systemic hypertension, we evaluate blood pressure by 24-hour ABP, office BP and echocardiiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy. METHODS: From january 1995 to September 1995, in 22 patients with untreated essential hypertension who were diagnosed recently (within 1 month). They were studied by 24-hour noninvasive ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and cross sectional, M-mode and pulsed Doppler echocardiography for examining the relation between ABP and echocardiographic parameters. In the present study, we divided the oatuebts by two groups; white-coat hypertensive group and sustained hypertensive group. RESULTS: 1) Among the 22 patients who were diagnosed by office blood pressure, the white-coat hypertension was in 7 cases (31.8%) and sustained hypertension was 15 cases (68.2%). 2) In sustained hypertensive group, LV mass, LV mass index and relative posterior septal wall thickness were significantly increased compared with white-cost hypertensive group. 3) 24-hour ABP and systolic BP and loading % were significantly correlated with relative posterior septal wall thickness (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with newly diagnosed hypertension (especially with sustained hypertension), there was left ventricular hypertrophy expressed by increasing of LV mass, LV mass index, and relative posterior septal wall thickness. And, there were close correlation between 24-hour ABP monitoring-especially systolic BP and loading % of systolic BP and LVH.

Effect of Enalpril on LVH and LV Performance in Essential Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) is the independent poor prognostic factor in hypertensives. But, it is uncertain that the reduction of LVH by antihypertensives therapy will improve the prognosis of hypertensive patioents. THe effect of reduction of LVH on LV function(espacially diastolic function) and the mechanism of reduction of LVH are not clarified also. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether reduction in LV mass with enalapril has a beneficial effect ofn LV diastolic filling in hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: Mild to moderate hypertensive patients were treated with enalapril(10-20mg once daily) for 4 months. Their blood pressure and pulse rate were regularly measured devery 2 weeks. Using M mode echocardiograms, LV dimensions at end-diastole and end-systole, thicknesses of ventricular septum and LV free wall were measured. LV ejection fraction(EF), LV mass index(LVMI) and total peripheral resistance(TPR) were calculated. Pulsed ddoppler examination of transmitranl flow for assessment of LV diastolic function was performend from apical four chamber viw. The peak flow velocities of the early and late waves and their ratio(PFVE, PFVA, PFVE/PFVA) were measured from consecutive 3 cardiac cycles. In addition, the time velocity integral of the early and late waves and their ratio(EA, AA, EA/AA) were measured. Echocardiographic evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Average systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased after treatment with enalapril. But there was no significant difference of pulse rate between basal and after treatment. The LV dimensions at end-diastole and end-systole and the thickness of LV free wall didn't change significantly. The thickness of interventricular septum, LVMI and TPR reduced significantly after treatment. The ejection fraction of LV didn't change significantly after treatment. There was no significant change in PFVE, EA, AA and EA/AA. But PFVA was significantly decreased after treatment with enalapril for 4 months. PFVE/PFVA was significantly increased also. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, antihypertensive treatment with enalapril led to a significant reduction of LVH partially associated with improvement in LV diastolic performance and no deterioration of LV systolic function.

Normal Values of Left Ventricular Mass and Left Ventricular Mass Index and Criteria for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy by Echocardiography in Korean

BACKGROUND: Left Ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) is welll known independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recently echocardiography is popular method to measure Left Ventricular Mass(LVM) and detect LVH. The purpose of this study is to determine the mean values of LVM and criteria for LVH in Korean. METHODS: Two hundered and fifty five subjects who participate in the health clinic were selected and studied(among them, 47 subjects were excluded according to exclusion criteria). History, physical examination, routine laboratories, and echocardiography were performed ot all of the subjects. RESULTS: The mean values of LVM, LVM corrected for body surface area(BSA), and LVM corrected for height are respectively : 199g, 114g/m2, and 119g/m in 119 Korean men, and 168g, 107g/m2, and 108g/m in 89 women, by echocardiography in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography(ASE) convention. The criteria for LVH, based on mean plus two standard deviation for LVM, LVM/BSA, and LVM/height are, respectively : 301g, 168g/m2, and 181g/m in men, and 262g, 165g/m2, and 168g/m in women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LV hypertrophy in the evtire study group using LV mass/surface criteria and LV mass/height are respectively 7.6% in men and 10.9% in women and 6.9% in men and 10% in women. There are little difference of the prevalance rate of LV Hypertrophy by whichever criteria were used, either based on LVM/body surface or LVM/height while still correcting for body size.

Echocardiographic Changes in Cardiac Morphology and Function in Renal Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is common in chronic renal failure patients and may contribute increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the left ventricular morphology and function in renal transplant recipients to find the relationship between hemodynamic changes and morphologic and functional improvement after transplantation. METHODS: Serial echocardiographic evaluations were performed in 27 adults(20 men and 7 women) at the time of transplantaion and posttransplantation 1 month and 4 months. The average duration of hemodialysis was 16+/-24 months(mean+/-S.D.). RESULTS: At the time of transplantation, the hematocrit level was 21+/-6% and posttransplantation 1 month and 4 months, that was increased to 39+/-5% and 42+/-7%, respectively(p<0.001). Left ventricular mass index by echocardiography was decreased significantly from 246+/-87g/m2(pre-KT) to 169+/-38g/m2(post-KT 1 month) and 153+/-40g/m2(post-KT 4 months), respectively (p<0.001). Interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness were decreased significantly after 4 months of transplantation. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic dimensions were also decreased significantly after 1 month and 4 months of transplantation. Left ventricular volumes and cardiac output were also decreased significantly. But A/E ratio, ejection fraction and fractional shortening did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that pretransplant high output state was resolved radipidly(within 1 month) but the diastolic function did not improved after transplantation 1 month and 4 months.

Relation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Filling to Age and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

The purpose of the present study is to assess the effect of aging on left ventricular filling function and the relation between Doppler parameters of LV filling and radius/thickness ratio in an normal population and in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. We underwent M-mode echocardiography and pulsed Doppler measurement of the LV inflow in 123 normal controls and 78 hypertensive patinets with LVH. The results were as follows; 1) In hypertensive patients with LVH, the peak early velocity(60.9+/-13.5cm/sec)was significantly decreased, and the peak atrial velocity(78.9+/-19.6cm/sec)was significantly increased than that in normal controls(78.1+/-15.7cm/sec, 60.2+/-13.1cm/sec, P<0.005, respectively). 2) In the normal controls, peak early velocity correlated well with age(r=-0.388, -0.595, P<0.005, respectively), but not with radius/thickness ratio. 3) In the hypertensive patients with LVH, peak early velocity and the ratio of early to atrial velocity correlated with redius/thickness ratio (r=0.274 P<0.05, r=0.367 P<0.005, respectively), but not with age. In conclusion early LV diastolic filling is reduced and systolic is augmented, probably reflecting alteration in myocardial siffness with normal aging, whereas in chronic LVH, changes in radius/thickness ratio is more important determinants of ventricular compliance, overriding the effects of age.