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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the role of dobutamine stress echocardiography in the assessment of diastolic reserve in hypertensive patients with preserved left ventricle systolic function at rest. Background Impaired left ventricular diastolic filling at rest is a common finding in hypertensive patients, especially in those with ventricular hypertrophy, even in the absence of evidence of decreased systolic performance. The stress test may also reveal diastolic dysfunction in patients with normal diastolic function at rest. Patients and methods We prospectively identified 30 hypertensive patients, and 20 patients who had no evidence of hypertension served as controls. Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by dobutamine stress echocardiography using tissue Doppler imaging at rest and during peak stress. Results Both patients and controls showed significant increase in systolic function (ejection fraction%) at peak stress, whereas diastolic parameters showed significant changes between patients and controls at rest. E/Ea was significantly higher (P < 0.001) and IVRT was significantly longer (P < 0.001) in hypertensive patients. At peak stress E/Ea was significantly higher (P < 0.001) and IVRT was significantly longer (P < 0.001) in hypertensive patients. Conclusion Diastolic stress test could be helpful in patients with unexplained exertional dyspnea who have diastolic dysfunction and normal ejection fraction at rest using conventional and Doppler tissue imaging parameters.

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