Racial Differences in Age-Related Changes in Left Ventricular Structural and Functional Echocardiographic Measurements Among Healthy Japanese and American Participants　- A Subanalysis of the World Alliance Society of Echocardiography Normal Values Study.

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function lower the threshold for the onset of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). LV parameters change also with race; however, the racial differences in age-related changes in LV parameters with and without adjustment for body mass index (BMI), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) remain unclear.Methods and Results: We performed a subanalysis of the World Alliance Society of Echocardiography Normal Values Study, an international cross-sectional study that examined normal echocardiographic values in 15 countries. The age-related changes in 2-dimensional echocardiographic derived parameters including LV size, systolic function, and mass, were compared between healthy Japanese (n=227) and healthy White (n=98) and Black (n=69) American participants. In men, age-related changes in all parameters did not differ significantly among races. However, compared with Japanese women, White American women had a smaller body surface area (BSA)-indexed LV volume, BSA-indexed LV internal dimension at end-systole, BSA-indexed LV stroke volume, and LV mass index to BSA, and a larger LV ejection fraction with age, even after adjusting for BMI, HR, and BP. CONCLUSIONS: Age-related changes in LV structure and function, which are important for the pathophysiology of HFpEF, may differ by race. Therefore, future studies examining echocardiographic reference values for each age group in each race are needed.

Normal Values of Echocardiographic Right Ventricular Size and Systolic Function Measurements in a Healthy Japanese Population　- Subanalysis of the WASE Study.

Background: Although accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) morphology and function is clinically important, data regarding reference values for echocardiographic measurements of the right ventricle in the Japanese population are limited. Methods and Results: The World Alliance Society of Echocardiography (WASE) Normal Values Study was conducted to examine normal echocardiographic values in 15 countries. Using the WASE study database, we analyzed 2-dimensional echocardiographic parameters of RV size and systolic function in 192 healthy Japanese individuals and compared them with those obtained from 153 healthy American individuals. In the Japanese population, the absolute values of RV dimensions were smaller for women than men, although the difference disappeared after the data were adjusted for body surface area. RV dimensions, RV length and RV area were smaller in the elderly, but age did not affect RV systolic function. The absolute value, but not the adjusted value, of RV size tended to be smaller in Japanese than American individuals for both sexes. For men, RV systolic function parameters were lower in the Japanese population. This trend was not seen in women. Conclusions: The present study identified normal reference values for RV size and systolic function in a healthy Japanese population. Sex, age, and race had a significant impact on RV size; however, this trend was weak for RV systolic function.

Deep Learning Models for Predicting Left Heart Abnormalities From Single-Lead Electrocardiogram for the Development of Wearable Devices.

BACKGROUND: Left heart abnormalities are risk factors for heart failure. However, echocardiography is not always available. Electrocardiograms (ECGs), which are now available from wearable devices, have the potential to detect these abnormalities. Nevertheless, whether a model can detect left heart abnormalities from single Lead I ECG data remains unclear.Methods and Results: We developed Lead I ECG models to detect low ejection fraction (EF), wall motion abnormality, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular dilatation, and left atrial dilatation. We used a dataset comprising 229,439 paired sets of ECG and echocardiography data from 8 facilities, and validated the model using external verification with data from 2 facilities. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of our model was 0.913 for low EF, 0.832 for wall motion abnormality, 0.797 for LVH, 0.838 for left ventricular dilatation, and 0.802 for left atrial dilatation. In interpretation tests with 12 cardiologists, the accuracy of the model was 78.3% for low EF and 68.3% for LVH. Compared with cardiologists who read the 12-lead ECGs, the model's performance was superior for LVH and similar for low EF. CONCLUSIONS: From a multicenter study dataset, we developed models to predict left heart abnormalities using Lead I on the ECG. The Lead I ECG models show superior or equivalent performance to cardiologists using 12-lead ECGs.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in the general population.

Aims: Emerging evidence suggests an association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure (HF). We investigated the relationship between NAFLD and left ventricular (LV) functional remodelling in a general population sample without overt cardiac and liver disease. Methods and results: We included 481 individuals without significant alcohol consumption who voluntarily underwent an extensive cardiovascular health check. The fatty liver index (FLI) was calculated for each participant, and NAFLD was defined as FLI ≥ 60. All participants underwent 2D transthoracic echocardiography; LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) was assessed with speckle-tracking analysis. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were constructed to investigate the possible association between NAFLD and LVGLS. Seventy-one (14.8%) participants were diagnosed with NAFLD. Individuals with NAFLD exhibited larger LV size and LV mass index than those without NAFLD, although left atrial size and E/e' ratio did not differ between groups. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain was significantly reduced in participants with vs. without NAFLD (17.1% ± 2.4% vs. 19.5% ± 3.1%, respectively; P < 0.001). The NAFLD group had a significantly higher frequency of abnormal LVGLS (<16%) than the non-NAFLD group (31.0% vs. 10.7%, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher FLI score was significantly associated with impaired LVGLS independent of age, sex, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and echocardiographic parameters (standardized ß -0.11, P = 0.031). Conclusion: In the general population without overt cardiac and liver disease, the presence of NAFLD was significantly associated with subclinical LV dysfunction, which may partly explain the elevated risk of HF in individuals with NAFLD.

Exploring Whether Weight-Related Cues Affect Food Intake in Older Adults with Dementia.

Purpose: Past research has shown that exposure to the image of a slim person reduces food consumption among young adults. However, it remains unknown whether this paradigm could be adapted and applied to increase food intake among older adults with dementia by exposing them to the image of a higher-weight person to mitigate weight loss and malnutrition. The present study explored whether weight-related visual cues affect the amount of food consumed by older adults with dementia. Participants and Methods: In the experiment, twenty-one elderly people with dementia living in a nursing home were visually exposed to one of four conditions (a cartoon image of a normal-weight chef, a higher-weight chef, a flower or no image) during real-life daily lunch situations over the course of four weeks, during which each condition was presented for one week. Results: Results demonstrate that participants finished their meals more frequently when they were exposed to the image of the higher-weight chef than when they were not exposed to any images. Conclusion: These results suggest that exposure to a cartoon chef character representing a stereotyped social group related to body weight activates the stereotype and increases stereotype-consistent behavior in older adults with dementia. The present findings will contribute to understanding the effect of visual information on eating behavior and to designing eating environments which facilitate sufficient nutrition intake among older adults with dementia.

Association of arterial properties with left ventricular morphology and function in the community.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial structural and functional remodeling is recognized as a key determinant of incident heart failure, although the contribution of arterial properties on left ventricular (LV) remodeling is not fully studied. Aortic dilatation is an early manifestation of arterial remodeling and estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is emerging as a simple measure of arterial stiffness. This study aimed to characterize the association of aortic size and ePWV with LV morphology and function. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 539 participants without overt cardiac disease who underwent extensive cardiovascular examination. Aortic root diameter was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography and ePWV was calculated from a regression equation using age and mean blood pressure. LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) was obtained by speckle-tracking echocardiography. RESULTS: Aortic root diameter and ePWV were correlated with LV mass index and LVGLS, while only ePWV was related to E / e' ratio. In multivariable analysis, aortic root diameter and ePWV were significantly related to LV mass index and LVGLS (all P  < 0.05), and the association of aortic root size and ePWV with LVGLS was independent of LV mass index and E / e' ratio. Individuals with both aortic root enlargement and increased ePWV had significantly larger LV mass index and reduced LVGLS compared with those either or those with normal aortic size and ePWV (both P  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aortic root size and ePWV were independently associated with unfavorable LV remodeling in individuals free of cardiac disease, which might provide useful information into the pathogenesis-linking arterial remodeling and heart failure.

Blood pressure categorization and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in antihypertensive medication-naive subjects.

AIMS: The impact of blood pressure (BP) levels on subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and possible sex-specific difference remains unclarified. This study investigated the relationship between BP categories given in the new 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline and subclinical LV dysfunction in subjects free of cardiac disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined antihypertensive medication-naive 858 individuals who underwent extensive cardiovascular health check-up. LV global longitudinal (LVGLS) and circumferential strain (LVGCS) were assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Participants were categorized into four groups: normal BP, elevated BP, isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and systolic hypertension (SH). Among the 858 participants, 422 individuals had normal BP, 113 had elevated BP, 160 had IDH, and 163 had SH. Prevalence of abnormal LVGLS (>-18.6%) was greatest in SH (19.0%), followed by IDH (17.5%), elevated BP (14.2%), and normal BP (7.1%, P < 0.001); no significant differences were observed for LVGCS (P = 0.671). In the multivariable analyses, IDH and SH were associated with impaired LVGLS [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.69 and 2.66, P < 0.001], and borderline significance was observed for elevated BP (adjusted OR 1.90, P = 0.060); there was no significant association between any of the BP groups and LVGCS. In sex-stratified analysis, IDH and SH carried the significant risk of abnormal LVGLS in both sexes, while elevated BP was associated with LVGLS only in women. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated diastolic hypertension and SH redefined by ACC/AHA guideline carried significant risk for LVGLS, but not LVGCS. Elevated BP was associated with LVGLS only in women. Our findings provide information on cardiac correlates of the newly established BP categories.

TimeTubesX: A Query-Driven Visual Exploration of Observable, Photometric, and Polarimetric Behaviors of Blazars.

Blazars are celestial bodies of high interest to astronomers. In particular, through the analysis of photometric and polarimetric observations of blazars, astronomers aim to understand the physics of the blazar's relativistic jet. However, it is challenging to recognize correlations and time variations of the observed polarization, intensity, and color of the emitted light. In our prior study, we proposed TimeTubes to visualize a blazar dataset as a 3D volumetric tube. In this paper, we build primarily on the TimeTubes representation of blazar datasets to present a new visual analytics environment named TimeTubesX, into which we have integrated sophisticated feature and pattern detection techniques for effective location of observable and recurring time variation patterns in long-term, multi-dimensional datasets. Automatic feature extraction detects time intervals corresponding to well-known blazar behaviors. Dynamic visual querying allows users to search long-term observations for time intervals similar to a time interval of interest (query-by-example) or a sketch of temporal patterns (query-by-sketch). Users are also allowed to build up another visual query guided by the time interval of interest found in the previous process and refine the results. We demonstrate how TimeTubesX has been used successfully by domain experts for the detailed analysis of blazar datasets and report on the results.

Factors influencing inferior vena cava diameter and its respiratory variation: Simultaneous comparison with hemodynamic data.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound assessment of inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and its respiratory variation is widely used to estimate right atrial pressure (RAP). Generally, the IVC distends as the RAP rises; however, there may be discrepancies between the values. Therefore, it is critical to recognize clinical factors other than RAP that may influence IVC measurements. METHODS: We obtained the IVC maximum diameter and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) simultaneously during right-heart catheterization in 71 consecutive patients. Then, we assessed various clinical and hemodynamic factors to elucidate the independent determinants of IVC measurements. Moreover, we tried to generate the regression equation to estimate mean RAP from the IVC maximum diameter and IVCCI. RESULTS: The mean IVC maximum diameter and IVCCI were 15 ± 4 mm and 51 ± 15%, respectively. In stepwise multivariate analysis, the higher mean RAP (ß = 0.52; p < 0.0001), the presence of significant tricuspid regurgitation (ß = 0.31; p = 0.0005), a larger body surface area (ß = 0.22; p = 0.0017), and younger age (ß = -0.18; p = 0.049) were independently associated with the IVC maximum diameter. Only the mean RAP was independently associated with the IVCCI (ß = -0.45; p < 0.0001). The regression equation (R2 = 0.43, p < 0.0001) was as follows: estimated mean RAP = 3.7 + 0.62 × maximum IVC diameter / BSA - 0.07 × IVCCI. CONCLUSION: Distension of the IVC mainly occurs with elevated RAP. However, the presence of significant tricuspid regurgitation, a larger body surface area, and younger age are associated with the IVC maximum diameter, independently of RAP. Interestingly, IVCCI is influenced only by RAP.

Atrioventricular and Ventricular Functional Interdependence in Individuals Without Overt Cardiac Disease.

Background Left atrial (LA) and right ventricular (RV) performance play an integral role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of heart failure. We hypothesized that subclinical left ventricular dysfunction adversely affects LA/RV geometry and function even in a preclinical setting. This study aimed to investigate the atrioventricular and ventricular functional interdependence in a community-based cohort without overt cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), RV free-wall longitudinal strain and LA phasic strain were assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography in 1080 participants (600 men; 62±12 years) between 2014 and 2018. One hundred and forty-three participants (13.2%) had an abnormal LVGLS (>-18.6%). LA reservoir strain, conduit strain, and RV free-wall longitudinal strain were significantly decreased in abnormal LVGLS group compared with normal LVGLS group (all P<0.001). LA and RV dysfunction (LA reservoir strain<31.4% and RVLS>-19.2%) were present in 18.9% and 19.6% of participants with abnormal LVGLS. Decreased LVGLS was associated with worse LA reservoir strain, conduit strain and RV free-wall longitudinal strain (standardized ß=-0.20, -0.19 and 0.11 respectively, all P<0.01) independent of cardiovascular risk factors. LA and/or RV dysfunction concomitant with abnormal LVGLS carried significantly increased risk of elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels (>28.6 pg/mL for men and >44.4 pg/mL for women) compared with normal LVGLS (odds ratio, 2.01; P=0.030). Conclusions LA/RV dysfunction was present in 20% individuals with abnormal LVGLS and multi-chamber impairment was associated with elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level, which may provide valuable insights for a better understanding of atrioventricular and ventricular interdependence and possibly heart failure preventive strategies.

Independent effect of visceral fat on left atrial phasic function in the general population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity increases the risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), although the impact of abdominal fat distribution on left atrial (LA) morphology and functional remodeling remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether increased abdominal adiposity is independently associated with impaired LA function and/or LA enlargement in a sample of the general population and to evaluate the role of adipokines in this association. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 527 participants (362 men; 57 ± 10 years) without overt cardiac disease who underwent laboratory testing, abdominal computed tomographic examination and echocardiography. Abdominal adiposity was quantitatively assessed as visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) at the level of the umbilicus. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to assess LA phasic function including reservoir, conduit and pump strain. LA reservoir and conduit strain decreased with increasing VFA quartiles (both p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed in LA volume index and pump strain. When stratified by SFA, there were no significant differences in LA size and function across the quartiles. In multivariable analysis, VFA was significantly associated with LA conduit strain independent of cardiovascular risk factors, and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters (standardized ß = -0.136, p = 0.019). VFA was correlated with serum adiponectin level (r = -0.51, p < 0.001), but there was no association between adiponectin level and three LA phasic strains. CONCLUSION: In a sample of the general population, VFA accumulation was independently associated with worse LA conduit strain, which may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of obesity-related AF.

Combined evaluation of right ventricular function using echocardiography in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Although comprehensive assessment of right ventricular (RV) function using multiple echocardiographic parameters is recommended for management of patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), it is unclear which RV parameters to combine. Additionally, normalization of RV parameters by estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), in consideration of RV-pulmonary artery coupling, may be clinically significant. The aim of our study was to elucidate the best combination of echocardiographic RV functional parameters, with or without indexing for PASP, to predict outcome in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction secondary to DCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analysed 109 DCM patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. RV size was assessed by RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA) and RV end-systolic area (RVESA) from RV-focused apical four-chamber view. RV function was assessed by fractional area change (FAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and by RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. All functional parameters were also indexed for estimated PASP. Cox analyses were used to evaluate the association of RV morphology and functional parameters with 1 year outcome (composite of left ventricular assist device implantation and all-cause death). Area under the curve was used to compare prognostic values. Mean age was 44 ± 14 years, and 76 (69.7%) were men. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 21.9%, median RVEDA was 22.1 cm2 , FAC was 27.0%, TAPSE was 15.0 mm, and RVLS was -12.5%. Forty-one (37.6%) patients experienced the primary outcome. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that RVEDA, RVESA, FAC, TAPSE, RVLS, FAC/PASP, and RVLS/PASP were independent predictors for primary outcome (all P < 0.05). However, normalization with PASP did not improve area under the curve for any RV functional parameters. When we evaluate hazard ratios according to the combination of two echocardiographic parameters of RV function, patients with impairment of both FAC (<27%) and RVLS (>-8.6%) had significantly higher hazard ratio than those with either impairment alone (11.3 vs. 3.4, P < 0.001); the other combinations did not improve prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: Normalizing echocardiographic RV parameters for PASP did not improve the prognostic values for our population. Meanwhile, combined evaluation of FAC and RVLS improved risk stratification in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction secondary to DCM.

Structure and Dynamics of Oxidized Lipoproteins In Vivo: Roles of High-Density Lipoprotein.

Oxidative modification of lipoproteins is implicated in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic lesions. Earlier studies have elucidated on the mechanisms of foam cell formation and lipid accumulation in these lesions, which is mediated by scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Mounting clinical evidence has supported the involvement of oxLDL in cardiovascular diseases. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as anti-atherogenic; however, recent studies have shown circulating oxidized HDL (oxHDL) is related to cardiovascular diseases. A modified structure of oxLDL, which was increased in the plasma of patients with acute myocardial infarction, was characterized. It had two unique features: (1) a fraction of oxLDL accompanied oxHDL, and (2) apoA1 was heavily modified, while modification of apoB, and the accumulation of oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) was less pronounced. When LDL and HDL were present at the same time, oxidized lipoproteins actively interacted with each other, and oxPC and lysoPC were transferred to another lipoprotein particle and enzymatically metabolized rapidly. This brief review provides a novel view on the dynamics of oxLDL and oxHDL in circulation.

Mitral Valvular Coaptation-Zone Area Is Associated with the Severity of Atherosclerosis Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index.

Preservation of the mitral valve (MV) size is essential for valve function, and a reduced MV coaptation-zone area increases the risk of developing functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). We aimed to determine if the MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas were associated with the severity of atherosclerosis assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in patients with normal left ventricle (LV) systolic function and size by real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE).We performed RT3DE analysis in 66 patients with normal LV size and ejection fraction who underwent 2D echocardiography and CAVI. MV coaptation-zone areas were measured by custom 3D software and indexed by body surface area (BSA). The associations of clinical factors and mean CAVI with MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas were evaluated by univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses.On univariable analysis, MV leaflet area/BSA was significantly associated with age (r = -0.335, P = 0.0069) and mean CAVI (r = -0.464, P < 0.001), and MV coaptation-zone area was significantly associated with age (r = -0.626, P < 0.001), hypertension (r = -0.626, P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (r = -0.626, P < 0.001), E/e' (r = -0.626, P < 0.001), and CAVI (r = -0.740, P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, mean CAVI was independently associated only with MV leaflet area/BSA (standardized coefficient = -0.611, P < 0.001) and MV coaptation-zone area/BSA (standardized coefficient = -0.74, P < 0.001).In patients with normal LV systolic function and size, MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas might be reduced according to advancing atherosclerosis. Patients with atherosclerosis might be at increased risk of developing FMR.

Impact of insulin resistance on subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in normal weight and overweight/obese japanese subjects in a general community.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance carries increased risk of heart failure, although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography has emerged as an important tool to detect early LV systolic abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate the association between insulin resistance and subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. METHODS: We investigated 539 participants who voluntarily underwent extensive cardiovascular health check including laboratory test and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Glycemic profiles were categorized into 3 groups according to homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): absence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR < 1.5), presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥ 1.5) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the association between abnormal glucose metabolism and impaired LVGLS (> - 16.65%). RESULTS: Forty-five (8.3%) participants had DM and 66 (12.2%) had abnormal HOMA-IR. LV mass index and E/e' ratio did not differ between participants with and without abnormal HOMA-IR, whereas abnormal HOMA-IR group had significantly decreased LVGLS (- 17.6 ± 2.6% vs. - 19.7 ± 3.1%, p < 0.05). The prevalence of impaired LVGLS was higher in abnormal HOMA-IR group compared with normal HOMA-IR group (42.4% vs. 14.0%) and similar to that of DM (48.9%). In multivariable analyses, glycemic abnormalities were significantly associated with impaired LVGLS, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.38, p = 0.007 for abnormal HOMA-IR; adjusted OR 3.02, p = 0.003 for DM]. The independent association persisted even after adjustment for waist circumference as a marker of abdominal adiposity. Sub-group analyses stratified by body mass index showed significant association between abnormal HOMA-IR and impaired LVGLS in normal weight individuals (adjusted OR 4.59, p = 0.001), but not in overweight/obese individuals (adjusted OR 1.62, p = 0.300). CONCLUSIONS: In the general population without overt cardiac disease, insulin resistance carries independent risk for subclinical LV dysfunction, especially in normal weight individuals.

Relationship Between Mitral Leaflet Size and Coaptation and Their Associated Factors in Patients with Normal Left Ventricular Size and Systolic Function.

Enlargement of the mitral valve (MV) has gained attention as a compensatory mechanism for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). We aimed to determine if MV leaflet area is associated with MV coaptation-zone area and identify the clinical factors associated with MV leaflet size and coaptation-zone area in patients with normal left ventricle (LV) systolic function and size using real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE).We performed RT3DE in 135 patients with normal LV size and ejection fraction. MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas were measured using custom 3D software. The clinical factors associated with MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas were evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses.There was a significant relationship between MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas (r = 0.499, P < 0.001). MV leaflet area was strongly associated with body surface area (BSA) (r = 0.905, P < 0.001) rather than LV size and age. MV leaflet area/BSA was independently associated with male gender (P = 0.002), lower diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.042), and LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) index (P = 0.048); MV coaptation-zone area/BSA was independently associated with lower LVEDV index (P = 0.01).In patients with normal LV systolic function and size, MV leaflet size has a significant impact on competent MV coaptation. MV leaflet area might be intrinsically determined by body size rather than age and LV size, and the MV leaflet area/BSA is relatively constant. On the other hand, some clinical factors might also influence MV leaflet and coaptation-zone area.

Relation of Body Mass Index to Adverse Right Ventricular Mechanics.

Although higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse left ventricular morphology and functional remodeling, its possible association with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has not been extensively evaluated. RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVLS) is emerging as an important tool to detect early RV dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the independent effect of increased BMI on RVLS in a large sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. We examined 1,085 participants (603 men, mean age 62 years) who voluntarily underwent an extensive cardiovascular health check-up. This included laboratory tests and speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess RVLS. The association between BMI and RVLS was determined by logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of abnormal RVLS (>-19.2%) was greatest in obese individuals (29.7%), followed by overweight (16.3%), and normal weight (10.6%, p <0.001). In multivariable analyses, BMI was significantly associated with abnormal RVLS (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.07 per 1 kg/m2, p = 0.033) independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters including RV size and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. In subgroup analyses, BMI was significantly associated with abnormal RVLS in men (adjusted OR 1.10 per 1 kg/m2, p = 0.032) and younger (<65 years) participants (adjusted OR 1.13 per 1 kg/m2, p = 0.011), but not in women and the elderly. In a sample of the general population, higher BMI was independently associated with subclinical RV dysfunction. Furthermore, an increased BMI may carry different risk for impaired RVLS depending on the age and sex.

Chronic kidney disease and subclinical abnormalities of left heart mechanics in the community.

Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, although the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully studied. This study aimed to determine whether CKD could adversely affect subclinical left heart function in a sample of the general population without cardiac disease. Methods and results: We examined 1158 participants who voluntarily underwent extensive cardiovascular examination including laboratory test and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) reservoir, conduit, and pump strain. According to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), participants were classified into four groups; Stage 1 (n = 112; eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), Stage 2 (n = 818; 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2), Stage 3a (n = 191; 45-59 mL/min/1.73 m2), and Stage 3b-5 (n = 37; eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2). Progressive declines of LVGLS, LA reservoir, and conduit strain were observed according to the severity of CKD (P < 0.001), while LA pump strain did not differ between the groups. In multivariable analyses, eGFR was associated with LVGLS (standardized ß = -0.068, P = 0.019) as well as LA reservoir (standardized ß = 0.117, P < 0.001) and conduit strain (standardized ß = 0.130, P < 0.001), independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, pertinent biomarkers, and LV geometry and diastolic function. The independent association between eGFR and LA strain persisted even after adjustment for LVGLS. Conclusion: Worsening renal function was independently associated with impaired LV/LA strain in an unselected community-based cohort. The assessment of LV and LA strain may allow better risk stratification in CKD patients.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism as an Independent Determinant of Left Atrial Dysfunction in the General Population.

PURPOSE: Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical entity and carries independent risk for incident heart failure (HF), its possible association with subclinical cardiac dysfunction is unclear. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) phasic strain can unmask subclinical left heart abnormalities and are excellent predictors for HF. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of SCH and subclinical left heart dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. METHODS: We examined 1078 participants who voluntarily underwent extensive cardiovascular health check-ups, including laboratory tests and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess LVGLS and LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain. SCH was defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level with normal concentration of free thyroxine. RESULTS: Mean age was 62 ±â€…12 years, and 56% were men. Seventy-eight (7.2%) participants exhibited SCH. Individuals with SCH had significantly reduced LA reservoir (37.1 ±â€…6.6% vs 39.1 ±â€…6.6%; P = 0.011) and conduit strain (17.3 ±â€…6.3% vs 19.3 ±â€…6.6%; P = 0.012) compared with those with euthyroidism, whereas there was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction, LA volume index, LVGLS, and LA pump strain between the 2 groups. In multivariable analyses, SCH remained associated with impaired LA reservoir strain, independent of age, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. including LVGLS (standardized ß -0.054; P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: In an unselected community-based cohort, individuals with SCH had significantly impaired LA phasic function. This association may be involved in the higher incidence of HF in subjects with SCH.