To Study the Role of Echocardiography in Assessing Hypertensive Heart Disease and Relating It with Duration of Hypertension

Background: Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) involves structural and functional changes in the heart due to chronic high blood pressure, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Echocardiography is crucial for evaluating heart changes in hypertensive patients, especially in detecting early signs of damage like left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic dysfunction, and atrial enlargement, which can predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Postgraduate Institute, Indore, and involved 132 hypertensive patients over the age of 18. Participants were divided into two groups based on the duration of hypertension: less than 10 years (Group 1) and more than 10 years (Group 2). Clinical assessments, echocardiography, and other diagnostic tests (ECG, chest X-ray, and laboratory tests) were used to gather data. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: A significant difference was found between the two groups in echocardiographic parameters. Patients with longer hypertension duration (>10 years) had higher Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Diameter (LVEDD), Left Ventricular End-Systolic Diameter (LVESD), Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP), and a lower Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF). The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), mitral regurgitation, and congestive heart failure (CHF) was notably higher in the >10 years group. Blood pressure was also significantly higher in patients with hypertension for more than 10 years. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant impact of prolonged hypertension on cardiac remodeling, as seen in echocardiographic and clinical parameters. Early detection and strict blood pressure management are crucial to prevent further progression of hypertensive heart disease and its associated complications.