Inflammatory markers and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in a family-based population study.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure affects patients with normal left ventricular systolic function (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFPEF) and those with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). The treatment of HFPEF remains an unresolved issue.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determinate the relationship between inflammatory markers and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in a family-based population study.

METHODS: In 303 participants from the general population (55% women, median age 49 years and 45% men, median age 40 years) we assessed echocardiography examination and measured inflammatory markers in serum: C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and interleukin 6 (IL-6).

RESULTS: The correlation of IL-6 concentration was observed for peak of the transmitral late diastolic velocity (A) and S/D ratio (p<0.01). Moreover significant correlation between IL-6 was shown to have an effect on E/A ratio and early diastolic peak velocities of the mitral annulus displacement (E'). The association of IL-6 concentration was noted with the peak of transmitral early diastolic velocities (E) and the the E/E' ratio (p<0.05) in men. In addition, the CRP concentration was shown to have an effect on E/A ratio in women (p<0.05). Moreover significant correlation between the CRP concentration and S/D ratio was observed in both women (p<0.01) and men (p<0.05). No significant correlation was observed between the level of MPO and LVDD parameters. Additionally only one predictive model for E' was depended on IL-6, age and heart rate in the men was found (p<0.001, R²=0.611).

CONCLUSIONS: The above results suggest that inflammation may lead to the onset of LVDD probably via vascular endothelial dysfunction.