Objectives: To investigate the effects of antihypertensive treatment on the Doppler-derived myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy. Methods: The MPI was measured at baseline and after 48 weeks of antihypertensive treatment in 93 participants of the SILVHIA trial, where individuals with primary hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy were randomized to double blind treatment with either irbesartan or atenolol.
Results: Antihypertensive treatment lowered MPI (mean difference -0.03 +/- 0.01, P = 0.04). Changes in MPI by treatment were associated with changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (beta-coefficient -0.35 P = 0.005), stroke volume pulse pressure (reflecting arterial compliance, beta-coefficient -0.39 P < 0.001) and peripheral vascular resistance (beta-coefficient 0.28 P < 0.04). Furthermore, there was a borderline significant association between changes in MPI and changes in E-wave deceleration time (reflecting diastolic function, beta-coefficient 0.23, P = 0.06). No associations were found between changes in MPI and changes in blood pressure, EA-ratio, left ventricular mass index, relative wall thickness or heart rate. A stepwise multivariable regression model confirmed the association between changes in MPI and changes in ejection fraction and stroke volume/pulse pressure (all P < 0.05), as well as the trend for E-wave deceleration time (P = 0.08), but not in the case of peripheral vascular resistance.
Conclusion: The MPI exhibited a modest decrease after 48 weeks of antihypertensive treatment in patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy. Changes in MPI were associated with changes in left ventricular function and vascular compliance, rather than with changes in left ventricular remodeling or blood pressure. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, August 2009)