Background: Arterial hypertension is the most important risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the population of hypertensive outpatients compared to other cardiac pathologies was clearly overrepresented. (1-4) The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and severity of the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) suggesting the presence of HHD, and to determine the severity of the left atrial enlargement by estimating the volume index as a prognostic marker for adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods: The 3-month, unselected samples of consecutive patients referred to outpatient transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were included. Conventional TTE were performed according to guidelines using a commercial ultrasound system (GE Logique500PRO). Analysis of demographic data, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LA enlargement and presence of HHD were performed.

Results: Out of the group of 200 outpatients (123 women, 62%; 77 men, 38%) we found 156 (78%) patients (66% female and 34% male) suffering from LVH. The average age of patients with LVH was 64.4 years. The average LVEF was 65%, and the value of LVEF below 50% was found in 10 patients. HHD was strongly suggestive in 95 (48%) female and 49 (25%) men. Severe LA enlargement was found in 32%, moderate in 18%, and mild in 10% of all cases.

Conclusions: In the group of outpatients referred to TTE, HHD is a common finding, especially among women. Since there is a wide range of antihypertensive drugs, echocardiography can be used as guidance for the therapy. This is a very important issue for high-risk patients with severe LA enlargement, where the proper therapeutic option can be life saving.