[Effect of reduced arterial compliance on the diastolic function of the heart].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Reduced arterial compliance is associated with age, hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. It is unclear if and how reduced arterial compliance affects the diastolic properties of the heart.

PATIENT POPULATION

We examined 64 normotensive and 27 hypertensive individuals, (31 females, 60 males). Their ages ranged from 19 to 78 years (mean 43 +/- 14.7 y), BP ranged from 80/50 to 180/110 mmHg. Exclusion criteria were atrial fibrillation, coronary or peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, anemia, hypercholesterolaemia, as well as antihypertensive drug therapy.

METHODS

Diastolic function was assessed by Doppler measurement of E and A wave velocities of Mitral flow. E acceleration and deceleration slopes and times. LV mass was calculated from an M- mode echocardiogram. Arterial compliance was assessed by an automatic pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement.

RESULTS

Age and PWV correlated significantly with the mitral E and A waves, the E acceleration time. E deceleration and E deceleration time. No significant correlations were found between SBP, DBP or LV mass and the parameters of diastolic function (see table).