Patterns and Predictors of Abnormal Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Among Black Africans with Hypertension at the Campus University Hospital of Lome: A Cross-sectional Study

<i>Background</i>: Hypertension is responsible for myocardial structural changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate longitudinal left ventricular function via 2D strain in hypertensive patients in Lome. <i>Methods</i>: A descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to August 31, 2024. Patients with hypertension for a period exceeding one year and with a left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 50% as determined by the Simpson biplane method were included in the study. The longitudinal systolic function of the left ventricle was evaluated by means of global longitudinal strain (GLS). <i>Results:</i> The study population comprised 215 patients. The mean age of the subjects was 46.4 ± 12.3 years. GLS ranged from -28.75 to -5.14 (mean -17.37 ± -3.97). Low GLS values (>-17) were identified in 41.4% of patients. The factors associated with low GLS were as follows: hypertension that had lasted for more than 10 years (odds ratio (OR) = 14.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.55-50.00; p < 0.001), uncontrolled hypertension (OR= CI, p), dyslipidaemia (OR = 12.15, CI 5.32-27.77; p < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 2.65, CI 1.12-6.27; p = 0.026), obesity (OR = 2.53, CI 1.11-5.77; p = 0.027), concentric remodelling of the left ventricle (OR = 4.93, CI 1.82-13.35; p = 0.002), and concentric LVH (OR = 3.89, CI 1.55-9.80; p = 0.004). <i>Conclusion</i>: The prevalence of longitudinal systolic dysfunction is high. The factors associated with HTN leading to this decrease include dyslipidaemia, diabetes, duration of HTN, remodelling and LV hypertrophy. This study serve to emphasise the importance of early detection and management of hypertension and its associated risk factors.