Left ventricular mass index predicts all-cause mortality

(HealthDay)—Left ventricular (LV) mass index independently predicts all-cause mortality and the need for revascularization in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography, according to a study published online July 19 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

Ahmed Abdi-Ali, M.D., from the University of Calgary in Canada, and colleagues examined the influence of LV hypertrophy in individuals with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Data were included for 3,754 patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. LV mass and volumes were determined and indexed to body surface area.

The researchers found that 8.4 percent of patients died and 4.5 percent received revascularization at a median of 44.9 months. Each 10 g/m² increase in LV mass index correlated with increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.06) and greater need for revascularization (hazard ratio, 1.10), in multivariable analysis. Moderate-severe hypertrophy correlated with a 1.7- and 1.8-fold increased risk of mortality and need for revascularization, respectively, by pre-defined thresholds. The findings were mainly seen in those with a LV ejection fraction of >35 percent, with respective hazard ratios of 2.93 and 2.20, respectively.

"This establishes relevance for LV mass measurements in clinical decision-making surrounding both the need and timing of revascularization in this population," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry; the APPROACH initiative received contributions from industry sponsors.

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