Effect of ageing process on diastolic function of the heart

Abstract

Background: Ageing is associated with progressive structural and functional cardiac changes. Diastolic dysfunction is a common age-related abnormality and contributes significantly to cardiovascular morbidity. Echocardiography is a key non-invasive tool for assessing diastolic function and evaluating changes in left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) structure and performance.

Objective: To investigate the impact of the ageing process on left ventricular diastolic function using echocardiographic assessment.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Najaf Center for Cardiac Surgery and Transcatheter Therapy / Al-Sader Teaching Hospital. A total of 50 patients aged 38–86 years were included. All participants underwent two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography to evaluate diastolic function parameters. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between age and diastolic function, with significance set at P<0.05.

Results: The findings demonstrated a significant decline in left ventricular diastolic function with increasing age (P<0.05). Echocardiographic indices of diastolic performance showed progressive impairment across older age groups, indicating worsening ventricular relaxation and compliance.

Conclusion: Left ventricular diastolic function deteriorates significantly with advancing age. Ageing is an important determinant of diastolic dysfunction, highlighting the need for early detection and monitoring using echocardiography.