The influence of type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension on right ventricular layer-specific mechanics

Aims: The aim of the investigation was to evaluate layer-specific right ventricular (RV) deformation in normotensive and hypertensive subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 129 subjects (40 controls, 42 normotensive DM and 47 hypertensive DM patients) who underwent complete two-dimensional echocardiographic examination (2DE) including multilayer strain analysis. Results: 2DE RV global and free wall longitudinal strains were reduced in normotensive and hypertensive DM subjects than in controls. RV global longitudinal layer-specific strains (endo-, mid- and epicardial) were lower in normotensive and hypertensive DM patients than in controls. On the other side, layer-specific strains of RV free wall were lower in hypertensive DM patients than in controls, without significant difference between controls and normotensive DM subjects. Parameters of DM control (fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin) were associated with 2DE RV global longitudinal endo- and mid-myocardial layer strain. Conclusions: Diabetes and hypertension significantly influence RV mechanics assessed by 2DE conventional and 2DE multilayer strain. Hypertension has an additive unfavorable influence on RV deformation in diabetic patients. Laboratory parameters of diabetic control were associated with RV structure, diastolic function and mechanics assessed with complex 2DE strain analysis.