Quantitative left ventricular contractility analysis under stress: A new practical approach in follow-up of hypertensive patients

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Yalçin F., Yalçin H., Küçükler N., Abraham T.

Journal of Human Hypertension, vol.25, no.10, pp.578-584, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1038/jhh.2010.101
  • Journal Name: Journal of Human Hypertension
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.578-584
  • Keywords: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, hypertensive heart disease, stress-induced contractility
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Excessive sympathetic activity and stress-induced left ventricular (LV) hypercontractility have been described in hypertensive LV hypertrophy. Recent quantitative data have shown that hypertensive LV hypertrophy is associated with preserved global LV function. However, progression of uncontrolled hypertension have detrimental effects on both the ejection fraction (EF) and LV contractile response to stress. Hypertensive LV hypertrophy has some common characteristics, including preserved global LV systolic function and LV volume with heart failure with preserved EF (HFPEF), which makes it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions at rest. Studies suggest that adopting an efficient antihypertensive therapy regimen may positively effect on the LV contractile capability in patients with long-standing hypertension. Evaluation of quantitative LV contractility under stress may be beneficial to differentiate between the hypertensive LV hypertrophy and HFPEF. It may also assist in developing a more effective modality in medical management of patients with hypertensive heart disease. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.