Men with moderate or severe LV dysfunction are characterized by an increase in both LV mass and cardiac natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations. In contrast, LV mass and natriuretic peptide concentrations increase to a lesser extent and only with severe LV dysfunction in women. These observational data suggest gender-specific control of myocardial adaptations to hemodynamic overload and a more rapid induction of LV hypertrophy during myocardial dysfunction in male subjects.
Indexation of LV mass to FFM eliminates sex-specific LVH criteria. The proportion of individuals defined as having LVH using the new criteria deviate markedly from traditional indexations. Prospective investigations will be needed to identify the prognostic implications of different indexations, especially in subgroups such as the obese.
Results: White coat hypertension was more common in men than women (10.9% versus 8.2% respectively) and positively related to age and body mass index.After adjustment for these variables, white coat hypertension was associated with an increase in left ventricular mass and an increased prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.2; P = 0.009) compared with normotensive patients. The increase in left ventricular mass was secondary to significantly increased septal and posterior wall thicknesses whereas end diastolic diameters were similar in both groups with white coat hypertension or normotension. Additionally, the systolic white coat effect (difference between blood pressures recorded by a technician and physician) was associated with increased left ventricular mass and increased prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (P < 0.05 each). Values for systolic left ventricular function (M mode fractional shortening) were above normal in subjects with white coat hypertension whereas diastolic filling and left atrial size were similar to those in normotension. Conclusion: About 10% of the general population show exaggerated inotropic and blood pressure responses when mildly stressed. This is associated with an increased risk of left ventricular hypertrophy.
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