Endothelial dysfunction predicted increased left atrial volume index in newly diagnosed nondiabetic hypertensive patients.

Background: Arterial hypertension is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It was previously shown that left atrium volume increase associated with mortality and atherosclerotic heart disease. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the value of endothelial dysfunction in predicting left atrium volume increase in newly diagnosed hypertension patients.

Methods: This study included 96 consecutive newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Left atrium volume and left ventricular ejection fraction were calculated. Pulse wave velocity and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from each patient.

Results: Left Ventricle Mass Index (114 ± 29 g/m, 91 ± 17 g/m, P < 001), left ventricular septum (P < 0.001) and posterior wall thickness (P = 0.001), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (P = 0.016) were significantly higher in patients with higher left atrial volume index. FMD% was lower in patients with higher left atrial volume index those without (9.7 ± 3.5 vs. 13.31 ± 6.01, P = 0.004). Lateral wall E wave velocity was significantly lower (8.68 ± 2.8, 10.2 ± 2.8; P = 0.009), while isovolumetric relaxation time (101.9 ± 19.9 ms, 85.7 ± 15.2 ms; P < 0.001), and ejection time was longer (101.9 ± 19.9 ms, 85.7 ± 15.2 ms; P = 0.077) and Mitral E/ lateral wall E ratio (E/E relation) was significantly higher (P = 0.031) in patients with higher left atrial volume index.

Conclusion: The rate of isovolumetric relaxation time, FMD% and E/E' ratio independently predicted left atrial volume index increase in newly diagnosed hypertension patients.