Heart valve calcification and cardiac hemodynamics

AbstarctPurpose Heart valve calcification (VC) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but the hemodynamic and functional profile of patients affected by VC has not been fully explored.Methods The study population was formed by consecutive unselected patients included in seven echocardiographic laboratories in a 2-week period. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed. VC was defined by the presence of calcification on at least one valve.Results Population was formed of 1098 patients (mean age 65 +/- 15 years; 47% female). VC was present in 31% of the overall population. Compared with subjects without VC, VC patients were older (60 +/- 14 vs 75 +/- 9; P < .0001), had more hypertension (40% vs 57%; P = .0005), diabetes (11% vs 18%; P = .002), coronary artery disease (22% vs 38%; P = .04), and chronic kidney disease (4% vs 8%; P = .007). Furthermore, VC patients had lower ejection fraction (55 +/- 14 vs 53 +/- 25; P < .0001), worse diastolic function (E/e' 8.5 +/- 4.6 vs 13.0 +/- 7.1; P < .0001) and higher pulmonary artery pressure (29 +/- 9 vs 37 +/- 12; P < .0001). The association between VC and EF was not independent of etiology (p for VC 0.13), whereas the association with E/e' and PASP was independent in a full multivariate model (P P = .0002, respectively).Conclusion Heart valve calcification patients were characterized by a worse functional and hemodynamic profile compared to patients with normal valve. The association between VC and diastolic function and PASP were independent in comprehensive multivariate models.