Hypertension and smoking are associated with reduced regional left ventricular function in asymptomatic individuals

OBJECTIVES This study sought to test the hypothesis that reduced regional left ventricular (LV) function is associated with traditional risk factors including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking in asymptomatic individuals. BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease is the main etiology of congestive heart failure in the U.S. and Europe. However, the relationship between risk factors for coronary artery disease and decreased myocardial function has not been studied systematically in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a cohort study designed to investigate the nature of atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals. A total of 1, 184 participants (45 to 84 years old) underwent tagged cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Regional LV function was quantified by analyzing peak systolic circumferential strain (Ecc) in regions corresponding to the left anterior descending (LAD), circumflex (LCX), and right coronary (RCA) territories. The association between risk factors and strains was studied using multiple linear regression. RESULTS Higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was associated with lower Ecc (p <= 0.002). The Ecc's in the LAD territory of participants with DBP < 80, 80 to 84, 85 to 89, and >= 90 mm Hg were -15.6%, -14.8%, -14.2%, and -13.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Similar results were documented in other territories and after multivariable analysis. Smokers had lower Ecc in the LAD and RCA regions compared with nonsmokers. Furthermore, dose response relationship between cigarette consumption measured in pack-years and regional LV dysfunction by Ecc was noted (p <= 0.01 in LAD and RCA territories). Finally, combined diastolic hypertension and smoking was associated with a greater reduction of regional LV function. CONCLUSIONS Higher diastolic blood pressure and smoking are associated with decreased regional LV function in asymptomatic individuals.