Left Ventricular Filling Patterns in Hypertensive Pulmonary Edema

Abstract

We report a case of congestive heart failure in a hypertensive subject with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. Doppler analysis of left ventricular filling patterns revealed a decrease in active atrial filling (A wave) during exercise, not present in a comparison assymptomatic hypertensive patient. A drop in the A wave and the A/E ratio during exercise may serve as a marker for congestive heart failure related to diastolic dysfunction.