Abstract
Background
Several studies have evaluated echocardiographic abnormalities as predictors of cardiovascular risk; however, none have associated the global cardiovascular risk with echocardiographic abnormalities in the Brazilian population.
Objective
This study evaluates the association between the global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score) and three echocardiographic abnormalities: left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and increased left atrium (LA) volume.
Methods
The study population was composed of participants from ELSA-Brasil who underwent echocardiography between 2008 and 2010 (n = 2973). They were asymptomatic and had no history of cardiovascular disease. The ASCVD score was calculated in two periods: 2008-2010 and 2012-2014. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
There is an association between echocardiographic abnormalities and high global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score ≥ 7.5) in both study periods, separately. The combined global risk (low risk in the first period and high risk in the second period) was significantly associated only with LVDD (PR = 3.68, CI 95% 2.63–5.15) and LVH (PR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.62–3.00).
Conclusion
Echocardiographic abnormalities (LVDD, LVH, and increased LA volume) are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk in Brazilian adults.
Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors; Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction; Left Atrial Volume; Diagnostic, Imaging; Echocardiography/methods; Atherosclerosis; Sedentarism