Epidemiology of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the general population of Germany: results of an echocardiographic study of a large population-based sample

Fischer, M. and Baessler, A. and Holmer, S. R. and Muscholl, M. and Broeckel, U. and Luchner, A. and Hense, H. W. and Doering, A. and Riegger, G. and Schunkert, Heribert (2003) Epidemiology of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the general population of Germany: results of an echocardiographic study of a large population-based sample. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KARDIOLOGIE, 92 (4). pp. 294-302. ISSN 0300-5860

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Abstract

The prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in the general population is poorly defined. Specifically, the number of asymptomatic individuals with LVSD and, thus, the most appropriate strategy to identify and treat such subjects is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to document LV dysfunction in a middle-aged (25 to 75 years, mean 51.8 +/- 13.8) population - based sample in Germany (MONICA Augsburg, n = 1678; echocardiography technically adequate n = 1418) by M-mode and 2D-echocardiography and to analyze the importance of predisposing contributors. The overall prevalence of an ejection fraction (EF) less than 48% (mean minus 2 SD = LVSD) was 2.3% (n = 33), with a slightly higher rate in men than in women (2.8% vs 1.9%, n.s.). LVSD rate increased with age: from 1.5% in individuals younger than 40 years to 4.0% among those older than 60 years of age (p < 0.05). Of 33 participants with reduced left ventricular systolic function, 20 presented with at least one cardiovascular disease. The most frequent diagnoses were arterial hypertension, obesity and coronary heart disease. Only 13 subjects (0.9%) of the study population were asymptomatic without a history of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, only 6 subjects (0.4%, 4 male) in this population presented with a moderate impairment of LV function (EF of 30 to 40%) and only 1 subject (0.07%, male) had severe LVSD (EF less than 30%). Almost all subjects with an EF less than 40% (6 of 7 individuals) had a known history of cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, LVSD is a relatively common finding in the general population. However, severe LVSD is rare in subjects without any concomitant cardiovascular disease. Thus, echocardiographic screening cannot be recommended in the unselected, middle-aged population to identify such patients.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: CONGESTIVE-HEART-FAILURE; CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY; NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES; PREVALENCE; HYPERTROPHY; DIAGNOSIS; CARE; left ventricular systolic dysfunction; general population; echocardiographic screening; prevalence; heart failure; epidemiology
Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine
Divisions: Medicine > Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin II
Depositing User: Dr. Gernot Deinzer
Date Deposited: 15 Sep 2021 09:57
Last Modified: 15 Sep 2021 09:57
URI: https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/39183

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