Amerena JV, Krause L, Zabalgoita M, Raman SNU, et al
The effect of smoking on left ventricular structure and
function in hypertensive patients
12th Annual ASH Meeting
Am J Hypertens
(Apr) 10:3A 1997
This analysis of echocardiograms from a large international study of blood
pressure
treatment (HOT Study) demonstrates that smokers have increased LVMI and wall
thicknesses
compared to nonsmokers. Gender and race differences did not appear to
explain the
results. Functional changes such as fractional shortening and E/A ratios
were not
different.
Comment: This is the first large study of which I am aware
demonstrating an effect
of smoking on LV mass. The findings suggest that mechanisms in addition to
aggravation of
atherosclerosis can mediate the association between smoking and increased
cardiovascular
disease. The factors which promote LVH in smokers deserve further study.
(Alan Weder,
M.D., University of Michigan)
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12th Annual ASH Meeting
H: Special problems :
Smoking, ethanol, substance abuse
H: Pathophysiology :
Heart in hypertension