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Quantitative left ventricular contractility analysis under stress: a new practical approach in follow-up of hypertensive patients

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 25, pages 578–584 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Excessive sympathetic activity and stress-induced left ventricular (LV) hypercontractility have been described in hypertensive LV hypertrophy. Recent quantitative data have shown that hypertensive LV hypertrophy is associated with preserved global LV function. However, progression of uncontrolled hypertension have detrimental effects on both the ejection fraction (EF) and LV contractile response to stress. Hypertensive LV hypertrophy has some common characteristics, including preserved global LV systolic function and LV volume with heart failure with preserved EF (HFPEF), which makes it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions at rest. Studies suggest that adopting an efficient antihypertensive therapy regimen may positively effect on the LV contractile capability in patients with long-standing hypertension. Evaluation of quantitative LV contractility under stress may be beneficial to differentiate between the hypertensive LV hypertrophy and HFPEF. It may also assist in developing a more effective modality in medical management of patients with hypertensive heart disease.

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Acknowledgements

FY is supported by American Government Fulbright Scholarship. He has accepted only research equipment support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

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  1. Divisions of Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Cardiovascular Imaging Center, Baltimore, MD, USA

    F Yalçin, H Yalçin, N Küçükler & T P Abraham

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  1. F Yalçin
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Correspondence to F Yalçin.

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Yalçin, F., Yalçin, H., Küçükler, N. et al. Quantitative left ventricular contractility analysis under stress: a new practical approach in follow-up of hypertensive patients. J Hum Hypertens 25, 578–584 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2010.101

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