Sex hormones are associated with right ventricular structure and function: The MESA-right ventricle study.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Sex hormones have effects on the left ventricle, but hormonal influences on the right ventricle (RV) are unknown.

Objectives

We hypothesized that sex hormones would be associated with RV morphology in a large cohort free of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Sex hormones were measured by immunoassay and RV ejection fraction (RVEF), stroke volume (RVSV), mass, end-diastolic volume, and end-systolic volume (RVESV) were measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in 1,957 men and 1,738 postmenopausal women. The relationship between each hormone and RV parameter was assessed by multivariate linear regression.

Measurements and main results

Higher estradiol levels were associated with higher RVEF (? per 1 ln[nmol/L], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 1.43; P = 0.002) and lower RVESV (? per 1 ln[nmol/L], -0.87; 95% CI, -1.67 to -0.08; P = 0.03) in women using hormone therapy. In men, higher bioavailable testosterone levels were associated with higher RVSV (? per 1 ln[nmol/L], 1.97; 95% CI, 0.20 to 3.73; P = 0.03) and greater RV mass and volumes (P ? 0.01). Higher dehydroepiandrosterone levels were associated with higher RVSV (? per 1 ln[nmol/L], 1.37; 95% CI, 0.15 to 2.59; P = 0.03) and greater RV mass (? per 1 ln[nmol/L], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.49; P = 0.05) and volumes (P ? 0.001) in women.

Conclusions

Higher estradiol levels were associated with better RV systolic function in women using hormone therapy. Higher levels of androgens were associated with greater RV mass and volumes in both sexes.

SUBMITTER: Ventetuolo CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3081282 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature