Low insulin-like growth factor-1 levels are associated with myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency in older individuals.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Altered myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEE) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events and heart failure. Among the potential pathophysiological factors underlying MEE impairment, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may be a plausible candidate due to its role in the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between plasma IGF-1 concentrations and myocardial MEE in a cohort of older individuals aged >65 years, participating in the CATAnzaro MEtabolic RIsk factors (CATAMERI) study.

METHODS

Myocardial MEE per gram of left ventricular mass (MEEi) was measured in 490 older subjects with a broad spectrum of glucose tolerance using echocardiography.

RESULTS

IGF-1 levels were positively associated with myocardial MEEi (r = 0.200, P < 0.001). Individuals in the highest tertile (tertile 3) of IGF-1 showed significantly lower heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption, alongside a significant increase in myocardial MEEi compared to those in the lowest tertile. In multivariate linear regression analysis, IGF-1 levels were identified as the major determinant of MEEi, independently of well-established cardio-metabolic risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that low circulating IGF-1 levels are associated with depressed myocardial MEEi in older individuals. This highlights the potential importance of monitoring IGF-1 in clinical evaluations to assess cardiovascular health.