Structural and functional left ventricular impairment in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury and no overt cardiovascular disease

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2014 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000161 · Published: January 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to investigate early heart involvement in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who do not have known cardiovascular disease (CVD). They used echocardiography to assess heart function and structure. The researchers compared the heart function of 47 men with SCI to 83 able-bodied men. They looked at factors like age, weight, blood pressure, and physical activity levels to see how these might affect the heart. The study found that individuals with SCI showed early signs of changes in the structure and function of the left ventricle of the heart, even if they didn't have obvious risk factors for heart disease.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

130 male subjects (47 with SCI, 83 able-bodied persons)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Subjects with SCI exhibited increased heart wall thickness compared to able-bodied participants, even after considering factors like age, weight, blood pressure and physical activity levels.
2
The SCI group showed reduced early diastolic myocardial relaxation velocity, indicative of impaired heart relaxation during the filling phase.
3
Weight and age were identified as independent factors influencing left ventricular structure and function in individuals with SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated early cardiac involvement in subjects with SCI without known CVD using echocardiography and explored potential anthropometric and clinical correlates. The study found that subjects with SCI showed early signs of LV remodeling compared with ABPs, and aortic diameters were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that weight and age were independent variables that substantially affected LV structure and function in subjects with SCI.

Practical Implications

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular physical exercise and weight control should be implemented early in individuals with SCI to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent CVD.

Early Detection

Echocardiography can be a useful tool for early detection of left ventricular remodeling in individuals with SCI, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular risk factors.

Targeted Interventions

Weight management and strategies to address autonomic dysfunction may be particularly important for preserving cardiovascular health in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
24-hour BP and electrocardiogram monitoring was not performed.
2
Study participants did not undergo an exercise stress test.
3
No measurements of catecholamine, insulin, C-reactive protein, and cytokines levels were taken and no follow-up data are available.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury