Risk factors for left ventricular hypertrophy: role of Na (+) -Li+ countertransport
Neves, P.L.; Faisca, M.; Gomes, V.; Cacodcar, S.; Bernardo, I.; Anunciada, A.I.; Viegas, E.; Martins, H.; da Silva, A.M.
Kidney International. Supplement 55: S160-S162
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6577 PMID: 8743543 Document Number: 467527
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular death in essential hypertension (EH). The factors involved in LVH are multiple and complex. We looked for risk factors of LVH in a group of 28 nonobese patients with EH (mean age = 45.3 years). We analyzed the activity of several erythrocyte ion transports (V-max of NaLi countertransport, NaKCl cotransport and NaK-pump, and the Na-leak Kp Na), the intracellular Na and the insulin sensitivity index. All these parameters were used as independent variables whereas the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was used as the dependent variable. Variables showing a significant univariate correlation (age, time of EH, mean blood pressure and V-max of NaLi countertransport) were introduced in a stepwise multiple regression model. Only age (P = 0.014), time of EH (P = 0.038) and V-max of NaLi countertransport (P = 0.032) were independently associated with LVMI (R-2 = 0.581, P = 0.0001). The NaLi CT, an operating mode of the NaH exchanger that facilitates cellular growth, may be a marker of LVH, and consequently a marker of increased cardiovascular risk.