Effects of essential hypertension on left ventricular function

Objective To investigate the changes of left ventricular function in patients with(essential) hypertension.Methods Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in 74 patients with(essential) hypertension and 94 normal controls were studied by echocardiography using routine examination and Doppler tissue imaging(DTI).Results Left ventricular mass index(LVMI),peak A(velocity) and E/A ratio by routine examination,peak s and a velocity and e/a ratio by DTI examination were significantly different between two groups(P0.05).There was no significant difference(between) two groups in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),peak E velocity,peak e velocity(P0.05).Peak s velocity was significantly related to LVEF,and e/a ratio was significantly related to(E/A.)Conclusion Systolic peak s velocity,late diastolic peak a velocity and e/a ratio increased significantly in patients with essential hypertension,indicating an increase in systolic function and stiffness of the left ventricle,as well as an increase in function of the left atrial assistance pump.DTI is a sensitive technique to detect early changes in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with(essential) hypertension.