Key result
Age was the strongest independent predictor of left ventricular net twist in healthy black adults (R2 = 0.82, P < 0.0001), with net twist increasing and strain parameters decreasing with age.
Why the study?
What are the normative values for left ventricular twist and strain using speckle tracking echocardiography in a healthy African adult population, and how does age affect these parameters?
Cross-Sectional (n=127)
What are the normative values for left ventricular twist and strain using speckle tracking echocardiography in a healthy African adult population, and how does age affect these parameters?
Effect estimate: R2 = 0.82
p-value: p=<0.0001
This study establishes normative values for left ventricular strain and twist in a healthy black adult population, demonstrating that net twist increases while strain parameters decrease with age.
May guide STE interpretation in black adults; extends normative data to underrepresented populations but leaves clinical validation open.
AIMS: Speckle tracking has emerged as a quantitative technique for assessing left ventricular (LV) function. However, no normative data for LV twist using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) are available in the black population. This study assessed myocardial mechanics by determining LV twist parameters in different age groups using STE, and evaluated the effect of ageing on LV twist in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 127 healthy volunteers divided into four age groups: 20-29 (n = 34); 30-39 (n = 33); 40-49 (n = 29); and 50-65 (n = 31) years. Parasternal short-axis images of three consecutive end-expiratory cardiac cycles at LV basal, papillary muscle, and apical levels, and apical four-chamber images were obtained. Apical and (AR) basal (BR) LV peak systolic rotation during ejection and instantaneous LV peak systolic twist (net twist, defined as maximal value of instantaneous AR minus BR) were measured. Mean strain values were -17.28 ± 3.30% for longitudinal, -17.40 ± 3.29% for circumferential, and 57.49 ± 3.32% for radial strain. Mean rotational values were AR (5.56 ± 1.98°), BR (-3.31 ± 0.92°), and net twist (8.87 ± 2.21°). AR, BR, and net twist increased with age, whereas longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain decreased with age. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed age as the main predictor of net twist (R(2) = 0.82, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: These data establish values for strain and twist in a normal black adult population. Net twist increases with age, whereas strain parameters decrease. Age is the strongest independent predictor of LV twist.
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Maharaj et al. (2012) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy volunteers (n=127). Age vs. Different age groups was evaluated on Net twist (R2 = 0.82, p=<0.0001). Age was the strongest independent predictor of left ventricular net twist in healthy black adults (R2 = 0.82, P < 0.0001), with net twist increasing and strain parameters decreasing with age.