Prognostic value of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients: A meta‐analysis of electrocardiographic studies

Time to reconsider the way of selecting antihypertensives for hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy

INTRODUCTION

Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HTN LVH) is a highly prevalent high-risk condition, and the recommendations for HTN LVH treatment are essentially unchanged for several decades.

AREAS COVERED

The current therapeutic approach to HTN LVH is to choose antihypertensive drugs according to their ability to reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. On the other hand, for the majority arterial hypertension (HTN) patients we should start treatment with a combination of different antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, the goal of antihypertensive treatment of HTN LVH should be adapted to the current recommendation in other parts of guidelines. The recommendation we need is not only which individual drug, but rather which combination of two antihypertensive agents is optimal for reversed LV remodeling.

EXPERT OPINION

In this paper, we pointed out that treatment recommendation for HTN LVH can be updated in a similar way as therapy for the whole HTN population - by recommending a combination of two or three antihypertensives in a single pill. Clinicians should be directly advised what is the first- and what the second-line combination of antihypertensives for HTN LVH in evidence-based medicine. Therefore, we suggest that combination treatment should be studied, compared and then recommended also for very prevalent higher-risk HTN LVH patients.

Sex-specific Associations between Left Ventricular Remodeling at MRI and Long-term Cardiovascular Risk

Background Left ventricular mass (LVM) is an established marker of cardiovascular risk; however, long-term follow-up studies in individuals with low to intermediate risk are lacking. Purpose To assess the sex-specific association of LVM measured with cardiac MRI with cardiovascular outcomes in those with a less than 20% 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Materials and Methods A total of 1528 volunteers older than 40 years of age with no history of CVD, a 10-year risk of CVD of less than 20%, and a B-type natriuretic peptide level greater than their sex-specific median underwent cardiac MRI between June 2008 and February 2013 as part of the Tayside Screening for Cardiac Events, or TASCFORCE, prospective study. LVM was indexed to body surface area, and the LVM-to-volume ratio was calculated. Follow-up for cardiovascular events was performed using national electronic health records. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier curves were applied to assess the impact of LVM. Results A total of 1495 participants (mean age, 54.5 years ± 8.3 [SD]; 925 female, 570 male) completed cardiac MRI, with a median follow-up of 10 years (IQR, 3 years). In female participants, LVM was associated with age, blood pressure, smoking status, and cholesterol level, while in male participants, LVM was associated with age and blood pressure. In female participants, the LVM-to-volume ratio was associated with cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3 [95% CI: 1.1, 4.9] for the highest quartile vs the lowest quartile), while the LVM was not. In male participants, the LVM was associated with cardiovascular events (HR, 3.2 [95% CI: 1.5,7.0] for the highest quartile vs the lowest quartile), while the LVM-to-volume ratio was not. Conclusion In those with low to intermediate risk without established CVD, different remodeling patterns predict cardiovascular events, with increased LVM predictive in male participants, while LVM-to-volume ratio is predictive in female participants. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Garot and Duhamel in this issue.

ISE/ISHNE expert consensus statement on the ECG diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy: The change of the paradigm

The ECG diagnosis of LVH is predominantly based on the QRS voltage criteria. The classical paradigm postulates that the increased left ventricular mass generates a stronger electrical field, increasing the leftward and posterior QRS forces, reflected in the augmented QRS amplitude. However, the low sensitivity of voltage criteria has been repeatedly documented. We discuss possible reasons for this shortcoming and proposal of a new paradigm. The theoretical background for voltage measured at the body surface is defined by the solid angle theorem, which relates the measured voltage to spatial and non-spatial determinants. The spatial determinants are represented by the extent of the activation front and the distance of the recording electrodes. The non-spatial determinants comprise electrical characteristics of the myocardium, which are comparatively neglected in the interpretation of the QRS patterns. Various clinical conditions are associated with LVH. These conditions produce considerable diversity of electrical properties alterations thereby modifying the resultant QRS patterns. The spectrum of QRS patterns observed in LVH patients is quite broad, including also left axis deviation, left anterior fascicular block, incomplete and complete left bundle branch blocks, Q waves, and fragmented QRS. Importantly, the QRS complex can be within normal limits. The new paradigm stresses the electrophysiological background in interpreting QRS changes, i.e., the effect of the non-spatial determinants. This postulates that the role of ECG is not to estimate LV size in LVH, but to understand and decode the underlying electrical processes, which are crucial in relation to cardiovascular risk assessment.

Beta-blockers in Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Atrial Fibrillation Prevention

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HTN LVH) is a key risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible role of beta-blockers (BBs) in addition to a renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) blocker in AF prevention in patients with HTN LVH.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed, Elsevier, SAGE, Oxford, and Google Scholar search with the search items 'beta blocker hypertension left ventricular hypertrophy patient' from 2013-2023. In the end, a 'snowball search', based on the references of relevant papers as well as from papers that cited them was performed.

RESULTS

HTN LVH is a risk factor for AF. In turn, AF substantially complicates HTN LVH and contributes to the genesis of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The prognosis of HFpEF is comparable with that of HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), and, regardless of the type, HF is associated with five-year mortality of 50-75%. The antiarrhythmic properties of BBs are wellrecognized, and BBs as a class of drugs are - in general - recommended to decrease the incidence of AF in HTN.

CONCLUSION

BBs are recommended (as a class) for AF prevention in several contemporary guidelines for HTN. LVH regression in HTN - used as a single criterion for the choice of antihypertensive medication - does not capture this protective effect. Consequently, it is worth studying how meaningful this antiarrhythmic action (to prevent AF) of BBs is in patients with HTN LVH in addition to a RAAS blocker.

ISE/ISHNE Expert Consensus Statement on ECG Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The Change of the Paradigm. The joint paper of the International Society of Electrocardiology and the International Society for Holter Monitoring and Noninvasive Electrocardiology

The ECG diagnosis of LVH is predominantly based on the QRS voltage criteria, i.e. the increased QRS complex amplitude in defined leads. The classical ECG diagnostic paradigm postulates that the increased left ventricular mass generates a stronger electrical field, increasing the leftward and posterior QRS forces. These increased forces are reflected in the augmented QRS amplitude in the corresponding leads. However, the clinical observations document increased QRS amplitude only in the minority of patients with LVH. The low sensitivity of voltage criteria has been repeatedly documented. We discuss possible reasons for this shortcoming and proposal of a new paradigm.

2023 China Guidelines for Lipid Management

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death among urban and rural residents in China, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a risk factor for ASCVD. Considering the increasing burden of ASCVD, lipid management is of the utmost importance. In recent years, research on blood lipids has made breakthroughs around the world, hence a revision of China guidelines for lipid management is imperative, especially since the target lipid levels in the general population vary in respect to the risk of ASCVD. The level of LDL-C, which can be regarded as appropriate in a population without frisk factors, can be considered abnormal in people at high risk of developing ASCVD. As a result, the "Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia" were adapted into the "China Guidelines for Lipid Management" (henceforth referred to as the new guidelines) by an Experts' committee after careful deliberation. The new guidelines still recommend LDL-C as the primary target for lipid control, with CVD risk stratification to determine its target value. These guidelines recommend that moderate intensity statin therapy in adjunct with a heart-healthy lifestyle, be used as an initial line of treatment, followed by cholesterol absorption inhibitors or/and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, as necessary. The new guidelines provide guidance for lipid management across various age groups, from children to the elderly. The aim of these guidelines is to comprehensively improve the management of lipids and promote the prevention and treatment of ASCVD by guiding clinical practice.

2023 Chinese guideline for lipid management

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death among urban and rural residents in China, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a risk factor for ASCVD. Considering the increasing burden of ASCVD, lipid management is of the utmost importance. In recent years, research on blood lipids has made breakthroughs around the world, hence a revision of Chinese guideline for lipid management is imperative, especially since the target lipid levels in the general population vary in respect to the risk of ASCVD. The level of LDL-C, which can be regarded as appropriate in a population without frisk factors, can be considered abnormal in people at high risk of developing ASCVD. As a result, the "Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia" were adapted into the "Chinese guideline for Lipid Management" (henceforth referred to as the new guidelines) by an Experts' committee after careful deliberation. The new guidelines still recommend LDL-C as the primary target for lipid control, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification to determine its target value. These guidelines recommend that moderate intensity statin therapy in adjunct with a heart-healthy lifestyle, be used as an initial line of treatment, followed by cholesterol absorption inhibitors or/and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, as necessary. The new guidelines provide guidance for lipid management across various age groups, from children to the elderly. The aim of these guidelines is to comprehensively improve the management of lipids and promote the prevention and treatment of ASCVD by guiding clinical practice.

Sex, gender, and subclinical hypertensiveorgan damage-heart

Hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) at cardiac level include a variety of abnormal phenotypes of recognized adverse prognostic value. Although the risk of cardiac HMOD is related with the severity of BP elevation, the interaction of numerous non-hemodynamic factors plays a relevant role in this unfavorable dynamic process. In particular, sex-related differences in cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and HMOD have been increasingly described. The objective of the present review is to provide comprehensive, updated information on sex-related differences in cardiac HMOD, focusing on the most important manifestations of subclinical hypertensive heart disease such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, left atrial and aortic dilatation. Current evidence, based on cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies as well as real-world registries and randomized controlled trials, suggests that women are more at risk of developing (and maintaining) LVH, concentric remodeling and subclinical LV dysfunction, namely the morpho-functional features of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It should be pointed out, however, that further studies are needed to fill the gap in defining gender-based optimal therapeutic strategies in order to protect women's hearts.

Selenoprotein P, Peroxiredoxin-5, Renalase and Selected Cardiovascular Consequences Tested in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Echocardiography

This study aimed to assess the relationship between chosen antioxidants, namely selenoprotein P (SELENOP), peroxiredoxin-5 (Prdx-5), renalase and selected cardiovascular consequences tested in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiography (ECHO). In our work, cardiovascular consequences refer to higher mean blood pressure (MBP) and pulse pressure (PP) on ABPM, as well as to left atrial enlargement (LAE), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) on ECHO. The study group consisted of 101 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases and Hypertension to verify the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Each patient underwent full polysomnography, blood tests, ABPM and ECHO. Both selenoprotein-P and renalase levels correlated with different ABPM and ECHO parameters. We found no correlation between the peroxiredoxin-5 level and none of the tested parameters. We point to the possible application of SELENOP plasma-level testing in the initial selection of high cardiovascular-risk patients, especially if access to more advanced examinations is limited. We further suggest SELENOP measurement as a possible indicator of patients at increased left ventricular hypertrophy risk who should be of particular interest and may benefit from ECHO testing.

Burden of cardiometabolic risk factors and preclinical target organ damage among adults in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a community-based health-screening survey

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs), target organ damage (TOD) and its associated factors among adults in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

DESIGN

This community-based cross-sectional study used a stratified multistage random sampling method to recruit adult participants.

SETTING

The health screening study was conducted between October 2019 and October 2021 in Western Area Urban, Sierra Leone.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2394 adult Sierra Leoneans aged 20 years or older were enrolled.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Anthropometric data, fasting lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, TOD, clinical profiles and demographic characteristics of participants were described. The cardiometabolic risks were further related to TOD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of known CMRFs was 35.3% for hypertension, 8.3% for diabetes mellitus, 21.1% for dyslipidaemia, 10.0% for obesity, 13.4% for smoking and 37.9% for alcohol. Additionally, 16.1% had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by ECG, 14.2% had LVH by two-dimensional echo and 11.4% had chronic kidney disease (CKD). The odds of developing ECG-LVH were higher with diabetes (OR=1.255, 95% CI (0.822 to 1.916) and dyslipidaemia (OR=1.449, 95% CI (0.834 to 2.518). Associated factors for higher odds of Left Ventricular Mass Index by echo were dyslipidaemia (OR=1.844, 95% CI (1.006 to 3.380)) and diabetes mellitus (OR=1.176, 95% CI (0.759 to 1.823)). The odds of having CKD were associated with diabetes mellitus (OR=1.212, 95% CI (0.741 to 1.983)) and hypertension (OR=1.163, 95% CI (0.887 to 1.525)). A low optimal cut-off point for ECG-LVH (male 24.5 mm vs female 27.5 mm) was required to maximise sensitivity and specificity by a receiver operating characteristics curve since the odds for LVH by ECG were low.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel data-driven information on the burden of CMRF and its association with preclinical TOD in a resource-limited setting. It illustrates the need for interventions in improving cardiometabolic health screening and management in Sierra Leonean.

Electrocardiogram Risk Score and Prevalence of Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Integrated abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, its relationship with subclinical CVD is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between the integrated ECG risk score and the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC). A cross-sectional study comprised 134,802 participants with no known CVD who underwent ECG and CAC computed tomography. The ECG risk score was the sum of five ECG abnormalities: heart rate of >80 beats, QRS of >110 ms, left ventricular hypertrophy, T-wave inversion, and prolonged QTc. A multinomial regression model was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prevalent CAC. The prevalence of CAC progressively increased as the ECG risk score increased. After adjustment for conventional CVD risk factors and other confounders, the multivariable-adjusted PRs (95% CI) for a CAC of 1−100 in the 1, 2, and ≥3 ECG risk score groups were 1.06 (1.02−1.10), 1.12 (1.03−1.22), and 1.19 (1.00−1.42), respectively, while the corresponding PRs for a CAC of >100 were 1.03 (0.95−1.12), 1.44 (1.25−1.66), and 1.75 (1.33−2.29), respectively. Integrative ECG scoring may help identify individuals requiring lipid-lowering medications, even in young and asymptomatic populations.

The value of the spatial QRS-T angle for assessing the severity of heart damage in patients with arterial hypertension

Aim      To study the relationship between clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory indexes with increased QRS-T spatial angle (sQRS-T) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).Material and methods  The study included 160 patients with AH, 61 (38 %) men and 99 (62 %) women aged 58 [49; 67] years. Patients with ischemic heart disease or His bundle blocks were not included. Echocardiography was used to determine the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LV EDD), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), relative wall thickness (RWT), left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM), and LVMM index (LVMMI). Also, the following indexes were analyzed: office systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), disease duration, body mass index, plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, and creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate. The QRS-T spatial angle was calculated as an angle between the integral vectors QRS and T using a vectorcardiogram derived from a 12-lead digital electrocardiogram. Data are presented as median (25th percentile; 75th percentile].Results The QRS-T spatial angle for the group was 65 [43; 90]°. The QRS-T spatial angle increased with increases in the AH grade (grade 1 AH, 55 [37; 74]°; grade 2 AH, 60 [41; 82]°; grade 3 AH, 88 [62; 107]°; р<0.0001); the AH stage (stage 1, 50 [41; 77]°; stage 2, 68 [44; 93]°; stage 3, 78 [59; 110]°; р=0.0002), and the cardiovascular risk degree (low and moderate risk, 49 [37; 70]°, high risk, 62 [43; 88]° (р=0.005); very high risk, 88 [61; 117]° vs. high risk, 62 [43; 88]° (р=0.0002). The QRS-T spatial angle was greater with diabetes mellitus (78 [60; 117]°) than without it (63 [43; 89]°) (р=0.03). Weak but significant correlations were found between sQRS-T and body mass index (r=0.2; p<0.01), SBP (r=0.4; p<0.0001), DBP (r=0.2; p<0.01), LV EDD (r=0.2; p<0.01), LV PWT (r=0.3; p<0.001), IVST (r=0.3; p<0.001), LVMM (r=0.3; p<0.001), LVMMI (r=0.3; p<0.001), and blood glucose (r=0.2; p<0.01).Conclusion      In patients with AH, a large QRS-T spatial angle is related with significantly higher values of SBP and DBP, LV dimension, blood glucose, and body mass index.

Electrocardiographic Predictors of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Markers of altered cardiac function might predict cognitive decline and dementia.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to review the literature that examines the associations of various electrocardiogram (ECG) markers with cognitive decline and dementia in middle-aged and elderly populations.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through 1 July 2020 for literature and conducted a systematic literature review. We included studies examining the associations of ECG markers (e.g., left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH], spatial QRS-T angle, and QT prolongation) with cognitive function and dementia in adult populations regardless of study setting and design, but excluded studies examining atrial fibrillation and heart rate variability.

RESULTS

Fourteen community-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were identified. ECG markers were investigated in association with dementia in four prospective studies, and with cognitive decline in ten prospective studies. ECG-assessed LVH was associated with dementia in one study while five heterogeneous prospective studies yielded inconsistent associations with cognitive decline. Regarding ventricular repolarization markers, spatial QRS-T angle was associated with cognitive decline in one study while another study found no association between QT prolongation and cognitive decline. High resting heart rate was associated with both dementia and cognitive decline in one study but not associated with dementia in another study. P-wave abnormality was significantly associated with incident dementia and cognitive decline in one prospective study.

CONCLUSION

Some ECG markers were associated with incident dementia and cognitive decline. However, limited number of heterogeneous studies did not allow us to make firm conclusions. Further studies are needed.

Morphological Study of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Organs and Arteries in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension is usually accompanied by the impairment of organs and arteries, and seriously threatens human health. Aerobic exercise can effectively prevent and treat hypertension. However, the mechanism of exercise therapy in hypertension is still unclear. In this study, we explored how aerobic exercise effectively reversed the impairment of the heart, kidney, and arteries caused by hypertension through a pathomorphological perspective. Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to fifteen weeks of 45 min and 90 min swimming training without weight, and we then tested the effect of exercise on the morphology and structure of the heart, kidney, iliac artery, and branch of the mesenteric artery. We found that the myocardial fibers became thinner, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, and cardiomyocyte edema disappeared after 45 min of aerobic exercise. Additionally, the pathological microstructure of glomeruli and renal tubules were improved. At the same time, aerobic exercise could also reverse the morphology and structure of arteries and mesenteric artery branches in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Chinese Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in China. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a focus on lifestyle intervention and risk factor control has been shown to effectively delay or prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular events. To promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, and to improve the overall capacity of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, the Chinese Society of Cardiology of Chinese Medical Association has collaborated with multiple societies to summarize and evaluate the latest evidence with reference to relevant guidelines and subsequently to develop recommendations for primary cardiovascular disease prevention in Chinese adults. The guideline consists of 10 sections: introduction, methodology for developing the guideline, epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in China and challenges in primary prevention, general recommendations for primary prevention, assessment of cardiovascular risk, lifestyle intervention, blood pressure control, lipid management, management of type 2 diabetes, and use of aspirin. The promulgation and implementation of this guideline will play a key role in promoting the practice of primary prevention for cardiovascular disease in China.

Sex-specific cardiac and vascular responses to hypertension in Chinese populations without overt cardiovascular diseases

OBJECTIVE

The aim of current study was to evaluate sex-specific cardiac and vascular responses to hypertension in Chinese populations without overt cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study and participants were enrolled in outpatient clinic between January 2017 and December 2019. Transthoracic echocardiographic measurements were performed to evaluate cardiac and vascular structure and function.

RESULTS

Among 486 participants, women account for 36.2% (n = 176). Compared to men, women were younger, had shorter duration of hypertension, and more likely to be abdominal obesity. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were similar, but women had higher mean pulse pressure (PP) than men. After adjustment for covariates, women had higher E/e' ratio and arterial elastance (Ea). The proportion of patients with concentric remodeling was higher in women (14.7% vs 9.5%). Increased SBP was associated with relative wall thickness (RWT), stroke volume (SV) index, E/e' ratio and Ea in both women and men, and the magnitude of the association between SBP and E/e' ratio was greater in women than in men (P_interaction = 0.04). Increased DBP was associated with RWT and Ea in both women and men with similar magnitude. Increased PP was associated with RWT, E/e' ratio and Ea in both women and men, and the magnitude of the association between PP and Ea was greater in women than in men (P_interaction = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the current study indicates cardiac and vascular responses to hypertension are greater in women than in men, manifesting as an increased estimated LV filling pressure and arterial elastance in women.

Roles of Morris Index on Poor Outcomes in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background

This study aimed to assess the roles of the Morris index in predicting poor outcomes in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

Material/Methods

This study included 905 patients with newly diagnosed NSTE-ACS. The Morris index, also known as P wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1), was recorded at admission and discharge. PTVF1 (+) was defined as an absolute value >0.04 mm·s, while PTFV1 (−) was defined as an absolute value <0.04 mm·s. Based on their PTFV1 values at admission/discharge, patients were divided into 4 groups: PTFV1 (−)/(−), PTFV1 (+)/(−), PTFV1 (−)/(+), and PTFV1 (+)/(+). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized to identify the variables that could contribute to NSTE-ACS risk.

Results

Compared with the PTFV1 (−)/(−) group, the incidence of poor outcomes was significantly higher in the PTFV1 (−)/(+) (hazard ratio [HR], 3.548; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.024–6.219) and PTFV1 (+)/(+) (HR, 2.133; 95% CI, 1.141–3.986) groups, but not statistically different in the PTFV1 (+)/(−) group (risk ratio, 0.983; 95% CI, 0.424–2.277).

Conclusions

Primary PTFV1 (+) at discharge and PTFV1 (+) during hospitalization were independent risk factors for poor outcomes, which may provide useful prognostic information for patients with NSTE-ACS.

Predictive value of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in the general population: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Conflicting results have been reported on the predictive value of the electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in the general population. This meta-analysis sought to compare the predictive value of different electrocardiographic criteria of LVH in the general population.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched PubMed and Embase databases until May 9, 2020 to identify observational studies investigating the predictive value of different electrocardiographic criteria for LVH (Sokolow-Lyon voltage, Cornell voltage or Cornell product) in the general population. Outcome measures were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cardiovascular or all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Ten studies enrolling 58,400 individuals were included. Comparison with and without electrocardiographic LVH, the pooled risk ratio (RR) of MACEs was 1.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-1.89) for the Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria, 1.70 (95% CI 1.27-2.29) for the Cornell voltage criteria, and 1.56 (95% CI 1.17-2) for the Cornell product criteria. The pooled RR of all-cause mortality was 1.47 (95% CI 1.10-1.97) for the Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria and 1.87 (95% CI 1.29-2.71) for the Cornell voltage criteria. Furthermore, the pooled RR of cardiovascular mortality was 1.38 (95% CI 1.19-1.60) for the Sokolow-Lyon criteria, 1.66 (95% CI 1.24-2.33) for the Cornell voltage criteria, and 1.82 (95% CI 0.65-5.09) for the Cornell product criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Different electrocardiographic criteria for evaluating LVH had a similar value in predicting MACEs among the general population. LVH detected by the Cornell voltage appeared to have a stronger predictive value in prediction of cardiovascular or all-cause mortality.