Association Between Left Ventricular Stiffening and Left Atrial Dilatation in Hypertensive and Normotensive Patients

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association between diastolic dysfunction and left atrial volume index (LAVI) in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Methodology: This study included patients from both hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups, all of whom underwent echocardiographic evaluations. Various parameters were measured, and the correlation between diastolic dysfunction and LAVI was assessed. Statistical comparisons were made using an independent t-test, while Spearman’s correlation was employed to evaluate relationships between the variables. Results: Hypertensive patients demonstrated significantly higher body weight (p = 0.000) and body surface area (p = 0.005) compared to normotensive patients. Blood pressure was notably higher in hypertensive individuals (p = 0.000). Hypertension was associated with increased left atrial size (p < 0.0000001), interventricular septum thickness (p < 0.0000001), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (p < 0.0000001). A strong correlation (r = 0.8) was found between LAVI and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients, whereas the correlation in normotensive individuals was moderate (r = 0.5). These results emphasize the significant structural and functional cardiac changes associated with hypertension. Conclusion: This study highlights a robust relationship between LAVI and various grades of diastolic dysfunction, particularly in hypertensive patients. In contrast, the correlation was weaker in normotensive individuals. The presence of diastolic dysfunction in normotensive patients further emphasizes the need for early detection, extending beyond traditional hypertensive risk groups. Additionally, the findings suggest that left ventricular stiffening and diastolic dysfunction contribute to progressive left atrial enlargement, making LAVI a potential marker for the severity of diastolic dysfunction, with substantial clinical implications.