Systemic Hypertension and Right Ventricle: Preliminary Echocardiographic Data

Summary

Background

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) has not yet been directly correlated with right ventricular hypertrophy (RV).

Objective

To assess the correlation between the presence of systemic arterial hypertension and right ventricular thickness, dimensions and function.

Methods

Cross-sectional and observational study. A total of 65 individuals were selected. They underwent echocardiogram with right ventricular evaluation in five aspects: free wall thickness; proximal diameter (RPD), mid diameter (RMD), basal diameter (RBD); tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion; and tissue doppler S’ wave. The subjects were divided into two groups: Control Group, without systemic arterial hypertension, with 24 subjects (17 women) and Study Group, with systemic arterial hypertension, with 41 subjects (29 women).

Results

Study Group presented older individuals in relation to Control Group (67 years ± 12 years and 47 ± 20 years; p < 0.001). In the Control Group, men presented higher values compared to women: proximal diameter (24.1 mm ± 1.3 mm vs. 20.1 mm ± 2.9 mm; p = 0.002), basal diameter (32.9 mm ± 2.7 mm vs. 26.5 mm ± 4.2 mm; p = 0.001), mid diameter (27 mm ± 2.1 mm vs. 21.2m ; p = 0.005); left ventricle diastolic diameter (49.6 mm ± 2.1 mm vs. 45.5 ± 4.3 mm; p = 0.028); left ventricle systolic diameter (30.1 mm ± 3.2 mm vs. 27.1 mm ± 2.9 mm; p = 0.034); and S’ wave (14.9 cm/s ± 2.4 cm/s vs. 13 cm/s ± 1.7 cm/s; p = 0.04). However, in the Study Group there were no significant differences between men and women in the same variables. These findings suggest greater impact of systemic hypertension in women.

Conclusion

The presence of systemic hypertension may cause different structural alterations in geometric ventricular patterns in men and women, possibly determining greater effects on the female sex. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. (Arq Bras Cardiol: Imagem cardiovasc. 2018;31(4):241-249)