Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel 2007; 2 - A10
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984756

Effects op hyperinsulinemia on left ventricular (lv) structure and function in the elderly

P Heras 1, A Hatzopoulos 1, K Kritikos 1, D Mitsibounas 1
  • 1Hellenic Medical Society for the Study of Psychosomatic Problems, Athens, Greece

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of hyperinsulinemia on left ventricle in the elderly.

Patients and Method

37 hypertensives, 17 male/20 female, age range 50–85yrs were compared with 17 norrnotensives controls of the same age and obesity. LV mass was evaluated echocardiographycally according to the Penn's Convention. A 75g OGTT was performed after an overnight fasting, and both glycemia and insulinemia were assayed basally and after each 30min in the first three hours.

Comparison between groups was performed by analysis of variance. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Hyperinsulinemic patient (2hr postloading plasma insulin above the median value) presented an increased LV mass index (+18%, p<0.05) and septal thickness, (+11.5% p<0.05), when compared with subjects with lower insulinemia. In addition, LV systolic function was better in hyperinsulinemic patients (ejection fraction and shortening fraction +14% P<0.0001 for both parameters).

In conclusion, hyperinsulinemia is associated with both increased LV mass and contractile performance in the elderly.