Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Changes in Patients with Systemic Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Systemic hypertension is a common and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, often leading to structural and functional cardiac changes such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. Echocardiography enables early identification of these alterations, improving risk assessment and intervention. Objective: To evaluate echocardiographic changes in hypertensive patients and analyze their associations with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), duration of hypertension, and tobacco use. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 hypertensive patients aged 20–65 years at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, from April to September 2022. Transthoracic echocardiography assessed left ventricular mass (LVM), relative wall thickness, and diastolic function. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Results: Of the 100 participants (55 males, 45 females), 41% had LVH and 50% had diastolic dysfunction. LVH was significantly more common in females (58%) than males (27%) ( P = 0.002). LVM showed significant correlations with age, BMI, hypertension duration, and tobacco use ( P < 0.05). Diastolic dysfunction was more frequent with increasing age and BMI. Patients receiving regular antihypertensive therapy had a lower prevalence of cardiac abnormalities. Conclusion: LVH and diastolic dysfunction are prevalent among hypertensive individuals and are influenced by both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Routine echocardiographic evaluation is essential for early detection and management of hypertensive heart disease.