The influence of left ventricular geometry on myocardial work in essential hypertension

We sought to investigate echocardiography-derived myocardial work in hypertensive patients with different left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns. This cross-sectional study included 211 hypertensive patients (74 with normal LV geometry, 53 with concentric remodeling, 46 with eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) and 38 with concentric LVH) who underwent complete two-dimensional echocardiographic examination including two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Pressure-strain curve was used to determine parameters of myocardial work. Our findings showed that multidirectional LV strain was lower in patients with eccentric and concentric LVH than in those with normal LV geometry and concentric remodeling. Global myocardial work index and global constructive work were higher in patients with eccentric and concentric LVH than in those with normal LV geometry and concentric remodeling. Global wasted work and global efficacy work were similar between groups with different LV geometry. E/e’ and LV mass index were associated with global myocardial work index and global constructive work independently of clinical and echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, myocardial work was higher in patients with eccentric and concentric LVH than in patients with normal LV geometry and concentric remodeling. Increased blood pressure in patients with concentric LVH in comparison with other LV geometric patterns has significant impact on the final result. LV geometry has significant impact on myocardial work in hypertensive patients.