[Cardiovascular adjustments in hypertensive patients. An echocardiographic study]. / Adattamenti cardiovascolari in ipertesi. Studio ecocardiografico.

Echocardiography was used to asses parameters of cardiovascular function in order to identify the main cardiac adjustment mechanisms to arterial hypertension. In addition to morphological parameters of septal and parietal thickness and diameter, telesystolic (Ses) and telediastolic (Spk) stress, EF, Vcfm, the index of left ventricular mass (ILVM), hypertrophy ratio (h/r), contractility index (Do), peripheral resistances (RPT) and Tarazi's index (SAC) were evaluated. In comparison to control subjects, higher levels of PwTs, h/r, SAC, RPT and ILVM (at the limit of significance) were found in hypertensive patients, which were reflected by higher Spk and Do values. From the further analysis of data to identify patients with signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (h/r greater than 0.40 and/or ILVM greater than 140) it was concluded that the hypertrophy ratio (h/r) is the functional parameter which most closely reveals the type of myocardial adjustment. Irrespective of absolute values of ILVM, the adequacy of myocardial hypertrophy to the dimensions of the cavity is accompanied by the normalisation of stress and the return of Do values close to normal levels. Hearts with low h/r those with the highest stress levels, as well as preesting the lowest EF and the highest Do values.

[Effects of short-term administration of ibopamine on hemodynamic parameters]. / Studio degli effetti dell'ibopamina nella somministrazione a breve termine su alcuni parametri dell'emodinamica.

Ibopamine was administered in a dose of 100 mg every 8 hours for three days to 18 hospitalised heart patients of NYHA class I and II. ECHO examination, polygraphic examination, rheographic examination and carotid CW Doppler were carried out under basal conditions and at the end of treatment. B.P. did not show significant changes whereas H.R. showed a slight tendency to rise. PEPc fell significantly whereas LVETw did not change, with a parallel reduction in PEP/LVET. ECHO examination did not reveal any reduction in diameters, an increase in Vcfm and a reduction in Ses. The Ses/Vs and P/V contractility indices increased to some extent. Irrelevant changes were observed in peripheral circulation evaluated with rheography, and cerebral circulation evaluated with CW Doppler. On the basis of these results it can be concluded that ibopamine is in a position to determine an improvement in ventricular performance during heart failure and that, allowing for its sympathergic effects, it is the treatment of choice in bradykinetic decompensation.