Frequency of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by mitral doppler in healthy elderly individuals

Abstract

Background : Healthy elderly individuals present alterations in mitral Doppler velocities, which are characteristic of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction with impaired relaxation. Objective : To determine the frequency of LV diastolic dysfunction by mitral Doppler in healthy elderly individuals and identify clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated to this finding.Methods : Seventy-three apparently healthy individuals (64% women, aged 60 to 80) were carefully selected and submitted to clinical, laboratory and Doppler-echocardiographic assessment, with particular regard to the characteristics of the mitral flow. Results : A total of 33 patients (45%) presented an impaired LV relaxation pattern (group I), characterized by the association between the maximum velocities of the mitral wave flow (E/A ratio) <0.75 or E-wave deceleration time >240 ms, and 40 (55%) with a normal pattern (group II). Group I presented a larger aortic root diameter (32.1±4.2 vs. 30.3±3.3 mm; p=0.044) and a longer PR interval (156±22 vs. 139±23 ms; p=0.002).Conclusion : A large proportion of individuals aged 60 to 80 years present normal diastolic function at the Doppler-echocardiographic assessment of the mitral flow. Healthy elderly individuals with impaired LV relaxation filling have a larger aortic root diameter and longer PR interval.(Arq Bras Cardiol 2009; 93(3) : 304-309)