A STUDY OF MYOCARDIAL FUNCTION BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN ELDERLY SUBJECTS

Back ground and Objectives: Age related changes in cardiovascular function are known to occur in elderly subjects and the prevalence of diastolic abnormality is substantially higher than systolic component. The prevalence rate is about 3% in normal population. Due to various age related changes myocardial stiffness occurs which manifests as failure of myocardium to relax fully. This results in diastolic dysfunction, which may even progress to diastolic failure. This study was undertaken to determine age related changes in myocardial function in elderly subjects by Doppler echocardiography. Methods: 100 subjects in the age group of 25 years to 65 years and above underwent 2D Echocardiography and Doppler testing. Results: The results showed that there is a decrease in velocity of early diastolic filling (MF - E wave), ejection fraction, heart rate, and increase in velocity of late diastolic filling (MF - A wave), diameter of left atrium, left ventricle end systolic and end diastolic diameters, thickness of inter ventricular septum and posterior wall of left ventricle, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse pressure, (P value < 0.0001 for all parameters). interpretation and Conclusion: All these changes indicate the presence of diastolic dysfunction in elderly age group which is a prelude to diastolic failure. Early interventions at this stage may prove to be more beneficial.