Evaluation of Left Ventricular Structures in Normotensive and Hypertensive Subjects by Two-Dimensional Echocardiography: Anthropometric Correlates in Hypertension

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted with the objective to establish a nomogram for some left ventricular structures and their alterations in hypertension. Correlations between left ventricular structures and anthropometric variables in hypertension were also established. A sample of 320 normotensive and 80 hypertensive subjects were studied. Echocardiograhic end diastolic diameter; posterior wall thickness and septal wall thickness were obtained. Subject height; weight; age and blood pressures were obtained. Blood pressures were measured in sitting position. The values of left ventricular mass (LVM); left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left relative wall thickness (RWT) were computed. Parametric tests were conducted. Tests were two tailed with P 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Normal values of left ventricular structures were established; LVM 63.72g - 336.18g; LVMI 38.16g/m - 222.64g/m; and RWT 0.25 - 0.52. Significant differences (P 0.05) were established in LVM; LVMI and RWT between normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Positive and significant correlations were noted between these variables and systolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. A simple linear regression of RWT on Body surface area gives RWT