Prevalence of asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction in hypertensive Nigerians : echocardiographic study of 832 subjects : cardiovascular topics

• Published in: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa 2011-11, Vol.22 (6), p.297-302
• Main Authors: Adesina, J.O., Akinyemi, R.O., Falase, A.O., Ogundipe, R.F., Alabi, A.A., Osinfade, J.K.L., Udofia, O.I., Majekodunmi, T., Adegbite, G.D., Ojo, O.S., Ogah, O.S., Udoh, S.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Echocardiography; Hypertension; Nigeria; Systolic dysfunction
• ISSN: 1995-1892; 1680-0745

Background : We sought to determine the prevalence of echocardiographically determined left ventricular systolic dysfunction in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects seen in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Methods : Echocardiography was performed in 832 consecutive hypertensive subjects referred for cardiac evaluation over a three-year period. Results : Data were obtained in 832 subjects (50.1% women) aged 56.0 ± 12.7 years (men 56.9 ± 13.3 years, women 55.0 ± 12.0 years, range 15-88). The prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was 18.1% in the study population (mild LVSD = 9.6%, moderate LVSD = 3.7% and severe LVSD = 4.8%). In a multivariate analysis, male gender, body mass index and LV mass were the predictors of LVSD. Conclusion : Significant numbers of hypertensive subjects in this study had varying degrees of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Early introduction of disease-modifying drugs in these patients, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers may retard or prevent the progression to overt heart failure.