Left Heart Changes in Hypertensives Attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital: An Echocardiographic Review

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a significant health challenge globally and in Nigeria, where it stands as the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertensive heart disease refers to the complex and diverse change of the cardiac structure and function secondary to hypertension.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the patterns and gain insight to the progression of cardiac changes among hypertensives patients presenting at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.

Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital's Echocardiogram lab. Ethical clearance was obtained, ensuring privacy and informed consent. Hypertensive patients aged 18 and above were included, excluding those with diabetes, heart diseases, or rheumatic valvular disease.

Demographic and clinical data were collected, and echocardiograms performed to assess cardiac parameters like LAD, LV dimensions, and LVM. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel and SPSS 25 for descriptive and comparative evaluation.

Results: The prevalence of combined and isolated cardiac abnormalities were 278(76.80%) and 73 (20.14%) respectively, with only 11(3.31%) normal
The most prevalent combined condition was left atrial enlargement occurring in combination with other cardiac abnormalities in 164 (45.30%) of the study population.

Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity of hypertensive heart disease in Nigerian adult and the need for classifications that encompass the full spectrum of cardiac structures, including those in the left atrium. Public health initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and facilitating access to diagnostic services like echocardiography could help in early identification and intervention.