Arterial hypertension and left ventricular remodelling in elderly patients

In total, 104 elderly patients with arterial hypertension (A H) and 20 healthy controls were examined. Thirty-four individuals had essential AH (EAH), and 70-isolated systolic AH (ISAH). Statistically significant increase in blood pressure (BP) variability, reduction in night-time diastolic BP (DBP) combined with high systolic BP (SBP) level, and an increase in temporal index and night-time BP drop were maximal in ISAH patients. Disturbed systolic and diastolic left ventricular function was associated with transitory myocardial ischemia (79,7%) and silent night-time ischemia (SNI). SNI was characterised by higher SBP levels, and ISAH - by decreased night-time DBP. In elderly AH patients, cerebral perfusion was reduced, and in ISAH, adaptive and compensatory potential of cerebral vessels was also decreased.