Study of Diastolic Function in Asymptomatic Hypertensives in Tertiary Care Centre

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most common underlying cardiovascular disease in patients with isolated diastolic heart failure. Diastolic dysfunction in under detected in most hypertensive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective study carried out in Medicine department, SIMS, Shimoga for one year from June 2012 to June 2013. 50 patients who are hypertensive without any abnormality were studied general and systemic examination done, 2d echocardio graphy done in which transmitral flow velocity(E/A) is measured. RESULT: Most cases (60%) were between 31-50 yrs of age. Males constituted 58% and females 42% of the study group. 56% of cases had normal diastolic function as defined by E/A ratio(>1), as compared to 44% who had abnormal diastolic function. More than half of the cases with abnormal diastolic function (defined by abnormal E/A ratio<1) had duration of hypertension more than 12 months. Diastolic blood pressures <80 and 90 mmHg were significantly associated with abnormal E/A ratio. CONCLUSION: Diastolic function assessment was done on asymptomatic ambulatory hypertensive patients. The abnormal diastolic function as assessed by abnormal E/A ratio was seen in 44% of cases. Both decreased and increased diastolic blood pressure was negatively and positively associated with diastolic dysfunction. The current study demonstrated that the presence of LV diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients is actually greater than previously reported by studies that analyzed transmitral flow velocity curves.