Positron emission tomography, echo-doppler, and exercise studies of functional capacity in hypertensive heart disease.

Background: This study examines the relationship between functional capacity, left ventricular diastolic function, and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods: We studied 16 patients with LVH and 10 controls. Functional capacity was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise, MPR by positron emission tomography, and left ventricular diastolic function by echo-Doppler.

Results: Functional capacity and MPR were significantly lower in the patients. Functional capacity correlated positively with MPR and left ventricular diastolic function.

Conclusions: Diminished functional capacity in patients with hypertension-induced LVH is related to the impairment in MPR and left ventricular diastolic function.