The role of hypertension in dilated cardiomyopathy: an echocardiographic assessment

ABSTRACT

Follow-up and radiological studies have been carried out in the past speculating on the interlationship between hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy; and what proportion of the later would be predominantly blamed on the former. Follow-up studies have the problem of time and drop-out rate to contend with; while radiological features pathognomonic of hypertension. A 2-D echocardiographic study of cases of biventricular failure due to hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy (because at point of admission; no cause was evident) was undertaken to see what if any relationship exists. Certain echo indices were found to be indicative of significant hypertension in patients diagnosed as having biventricular failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Using this method it would be possible to tell the dilated cardiomyopathy patient who will benefit at onset from some form of antihypertensive therapy