Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac dimensions and functions in elderly population

ABSTRACT

Seventy four subjects [33 females, 41 males] were the material of the study. Amongthem there were 57 elderly [60-69 years] and 23 control subjects. History and physical examinations were performed for all of them with empohasis on the cardio vascular system to ensure that the subjects were healthy achive and free from disease which night affect the cardiovaseular system. The resting cardiogram and echocardiography examination and 2.D and Doppler] were done for all subjects. Echocardiographic derived cardiac dimensions, systolic and diastolic indices were obtained and compared in both elderly and control subjects. Concerning cardiac dimensions, all parameters studied showed no significant difference, except for, right ventricular dimension [increased in males and females elderly] aortic diameter [increased in elderly over 70 years in males and females] the left atrial dimension [increased in male elderly between 40 and 70 years old] and posterior wall dimension [increased in male elderly]. As regards the systolic function, there was no significant difference between elderly and young subjects. However, all parameters studied for diastolic function showed highly significant difference between elderly and young age groups. Left ventricular diastolic waveform is substantially altered with aging. Early and late diastolic filling velocity and the ratio of maximal early to late diastolic filling velocities as assessed by Doppler echocardiography are importantly and indepentently affected by aging. This study revealed that echocardiogram is particularly suited to study the effect of age on the heart. It provides anatomic information which is unobtainable by any other technique in living individuals. Also the effect of age should be taken into account when the. normal, limits for Doppler indices of LV diastolic function are defined