Assessment of correlation of mean arterial pressure and left ventricular mass with left atrial volume index in hypertensive patients

Background: Hypertension leads to left ventricular remodeling and left atrial enlargement (LAE), which are critical indicators of hypertensive heart disease. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) is a sensitive marker of LAE and diastolic dysfunction. This study aims to assess the correlation between mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular mass (LVM), and LAVI in hypertensive patients to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Methods: This prospective observational study included 50 hypertensive patients admitted to Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital over three months. Using 2D echocardiography, LAVI was measured via the area-length method, while LVM was calculated using the Teichholz cubed formula. Relative wall thickness (RWT) was also determined to characterize left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Hemodynamic parameters, including MAP, were recorded. Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of LVH, and correlations between MAP, LVM, and LAVI were analysed. Results: Patients aged 60–80 years were predominant (42%), followed by 40–60 years (38%) and 20–40 years (20%). Males constituted 58% of the study group. LVM was higher in the LVH group (0.74) than in non-LVH (0.72). RWT was greater in LVH patients (0.59 versus 0.48), while MAP was lower in LVH patients (101.4 versus 113.5). LAVI was lower in LVH patients (19.4 versus 25.5). A weak positive correlation was found between LAVI and MAP (r=0.3984), indicating that while MAP influences LAVI, other factors may contribute significantly. Conclusions: Chronically elevated blood pressure leads to structural cardiac remodelling, with LAVI being an early marker of hypertensive heart disease. Monitoring LAVI can aid in risk assessment and treatment planning for hypertensive patients.