Hypertensive encephalopathy, heart remodeling, and chronic heart failure

Aim. To investigate heart remodeling features and chronic heart failure (CHF) incidence in patients with hypertensive encephalopathy (HE). Material and methods. In total, 113 HE patients with Stage I-III essential arterial hypertension, as well as 26 healthy individuals (control group) were examined. CHF was diagnosed according to National Recommendations by Heart Failure Specialists’ Society (2002). Patients with coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, atrial fibrillation, inflammatory and toxic heart disease were excluded. Heart remodeling type, state and parameters of left ventricular (LV) contractility were assessed by echocardiography method. Results. Stage I CHF (isolated diastolic dysfunction) was diagnosed in 65 (57.5%) patients, Stage IIA CHF – in 36 (31.9%) participants. CHF was registered in majority of patients with Stage II HE (97.5%), and in all individuals with Stage III HE. Dominating heart remodeling type was concentric LV remodeling with diastolic dysfunction and normal systolic function. Neurological disturbances were associated not only with HE stage, but also with CHF presence and severity. Conclusion. In HE patients, cardiac examination and active CHF diagnostics should be stressed. Basal antihypertensive therapy in Stage II-III HE should include medications recommended for CHF treatment: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers.