Positron emission tomography, echo-Doppler, and exercise studies of functional capacity in hypertensive heart disease

Background: This study examines the relationship between functional capacity, left ventricular diastolic function, and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) in patients with left, ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: We studied 16 patients with LVH and 10 controls. Functional capacity was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise, MPR by positron emission tomography, and left ventricular diastolic function by echo-Doppler. Results: Functional capacity and MPR were significantly lower in the patients. Functional capacity correlated positively with MPR and left ventricular diastolic function. Conclusions: Diminished functional capacity in patients with hypertension-induced LVH is related to the impairment in MPR and left ventricular diastolic function. (C) 2002 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.