Echo Doppler Assessment of Left Ventricular Structure and Funetaon in Elderly Subjects with and without Systolic Hypertension

Abstract

There is a wide preconception that cardiovascular function decreases as subject getting old. Also, the prevalence and severity of cardiovascular disease increase with age. The aim of this work was to study the influence of aging on LV structure, systolic and diastolic function of apparently healthy elderly by using Doppler echocardiography and to compare the results with previous studies' results regarding the controversial points related to LV mass increase and systolic function changes. Also, to study i:he influence of ISH on LV structure, functions and hemodynamics ill elderly ;and iO show whether it augments the aging effects on.LVor:itis:anmdependentfactor, and if there is sex difference or not.

The study included 122 elderly aged 60:90 years (mean; 70±6 years), divided according to their SBP into two groups: group I with ISH (BP:::l60/<90 mmHg) who were newly discovered (number= 61, 33 men and 28 women) and group Il; normotensive elderly (BP <140 /<90 mmHg) (number

= 6 I, 44 men and 17 women). The work was conducted in Assiut University HospitaL All subjects were submitted to the following measurements: weight height, heart rate, mean BP, ECG, random blood glucose, urinalysis, blood