Prevalence and significance of increased intraventricular velocities in healthy elderly subjects.

BACKGROUND

Heart murmurs are common in the elderly and increased intracavitary velocities (IIV) within the left ventricle have been reported to be a cause of systolic murmur.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and functional significance of IIV in healthy elderly subjects

METHODS

Ambulatory healthy elderly subjects were recruited from community centres and seniors' apartments. They were screened using a structured questionnaire and then underwent a comprehensive history and physical examination. Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and 6-min walk test were performed on the same day.

RESULTS

Four of the 88 subjects were excluded because of significant valvular dysfunction. Ten of the remaining 84 subjects had IIV and their demographics were similar to those of the 74 subjects without IIV. Echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular size and mass were similar between the two groups. Left ventricular mass index was lower in subjects with IIV (P=0.02). Both groups had similar 6-min walk results.

CONCLUSIONS

In the healthy elderly who do not have valvular disease or left ventricular hypertrophy, IIV is uncommon and does not appear to have functional significance.