Systolic-Predominant Hypertension and the Aging Heart: A Cross-Sectional Study on LVH and Cardiovascular Riskss

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 01 | Page : 13 24
    By

    Raviteja Vanam,

  • G. Venkata Ramana,

  • Abinaya,

  1. Consultant Physician, Department of Family Medicine, Rural Development Trust Hospital, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Senior Consultant, Department of Family Medicine, Rural Development Trust Hospital, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Junior Consultant, Department of Family Medicine, Rural Development Trust Hospital, Anantapur, Andhra Pradeshq, India

Abstract

Background: Systolic-predominant hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg with diastolic pressure <90 mm Hg, is the most prevalent form of hypertension in the elderly. It arises primarily due to age-related arterial stiffening and baroreceptor dysfunction. Once considered a benign outcome of aging, systolic-predominant hypertension is now recognized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aim and Objective: To evaluate the cardiac status and associated cardiovascular risk factors in elderly patients with newly diagnosed systolic-predominant hypertension using clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic assessments. Settings and Design: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out in elderly patients of 60 years and above who had systolic-predominant hypertension. It also sought to determine the effect systolic-predominant hypertension has on the cardiac health via ECG and echocardiography. The structure of this design revolved around determining the structural and functional changes of the cardiac and related cardiovascular risks. Methods and Material: This cross-sectional study included 133 patients aged ≥60 years with newly detected systolic-predominant hypertension. Detailed clinical history, physical examination, blood pressure measurement, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHO), and relevant laboratory investigations were conducted. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated and correlated with clinical variables. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics was the specific mode of study that was mainly utilized to summarize the clinical results of the clinical and demographic descriptions. Categorical variables were expressed in frequencies and percentages whilst continuous distributions were expressed in means and standard deviations. Correlation tests or analysis should have been conducted, possibly to determine the relations of cardiovascular risk factors with cardiac complications, but no test names were mentioned. Results: Most patients were asymptomatic. Stage 2 systolic-predominant hypertension was most prevalent (47.37%). Females had significantly higher BMI. Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were common risk factors. ECG showed LVH in 35.7% (Sokolow–Lyon criteria) and 34.6% (Cornell criteria), while ECHO revealed LVH in 50.4% of patients. Increased LVMI significantly correlated with systolic-predominant hypertension severity and presence of comorbidities. ECHO proved more sensitive than ECG in detecting LVH. Conclusion: systolic-predominant hypertension is strongly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent long-term cardiovascular complications in the elderly.

Keywords: Cornell criteria, electrocardiographic, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), Sokolow–Lyon criteria, systolic-predominant hypertension

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Medicine ]

How to cite this article:
Raviteja Vanam, G. Venkata Ramana, Abinaya. Systolic-Predominant Hypertension and the Aging Heart: A Cross-Sectional Study on LVH and Cardiovascular Riskss. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Medicine. 2026; 16(01):13-24.
How to cite this URL:
Raviteja Vanam, G. Venkata Ramana, Abinaya. Systolic-Predominant Hypertension and the Aging Heart: A Cross-Sectional Study on LVH and Cardiovascular Riskss. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Medicine. 2026; 16(01):13-24. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjom/article=2026/view=239412


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 01
Received 02/01/2026
Accepted 29/01/2026
Published 28/03/2026
Publication Time 85 Days
39

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