Echocardiographic indexes of left ventricle diastolic function in patients with metabolic syndrome treated with atorvastatin

• Published in: Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound
• Main Authors: Susan, M, Tudor, C, Susan, RM, Muntean, M, Burghina, D
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 15.05.2008
• ISSN: 0172-4614; 1438-8782
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1079860

Introduction: Several studies have reported that metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it is associated with altered left ventricle diastolic function. The standard Doppler indexes of transmitral filling (E/A ratio, isovolumetric relaxation time IVRT) are altered among patients with metabolic syndrome. Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the benefit of the therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on diastolic dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This prospective study included 44 nonsmoker male patients (pts) diagnosed with metabolic syndrome defined according to NCEP criteria. Patients with cardiovascular disease (peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease) were excluded.. We defined abdominal obesity as a waist circumference >94cm. We divided the patients in two groups: group A –20 pts who received atorvastatin 6 months 20mg/day and group B –24 pts (control group) without statin therapy. Echocardiographic markers of diastolic function (E/A ratio, IVRT) were evaluated at baseline and at 1 year. Wilcoxon non-parametric test and Student parametric test were used for statistical analysis; a p value under 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were found no significant differences at baseline regarding mean age, prevalence of hypertension and prevalence of dislipidemia between the two groups. E/A ratio and IVRT were similar at baseline in both groups (0.91±0.17 vs. 0.94±0.22 and 111.75±21.72ms vs. 109.64±20.15ms). E/A ratio significantly increased at 1 year months in group A (1.08±0.23 vs. 0.92±0.14) and IVRT significantly decreased at 1 year in group A (97.23±19.97 vs. 110.72±18.76). Conclusion: 1 year statin therapy with atorvastatin results in a significant improvement in left ventricle diastolic function. Our findings suggest that diastolic function is better among patients with metabolic syndrome treated with statins.