Biomarker levels, left ventricular dysfunction, and severity of coronary pathology in elderly patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract

Aim. To assess the levels of selected biomarkers and the type of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in geriatric patients, in regard to their age, gender, and the severity of coronary artery pathology. Material and methods. In total, 135 geriatric patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were examined. The diagnostic algorithm was based on the results of coagulogram, blood biochemistry, measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, treadmill test, echocardiography (EchoCG), coronary angiography (CA), and LV ventriculography (LVG). Results. Decreased hematocrit levels (p<0,05), increased levels of urea (p<0,05) and creatinine (p<0,05), reduced LV ejection fraction (p<0,05), increased end-diastolic volume (p<0,05), as well as restrictive type of LV dysfunction, were among age-dependent determinants of angina progression in elderly patients. The major determinant of ischemia severity was multi-vessel coronary pathology, manifested in higher angina classes, reduced exercise capacity (p<0,05), and impaired local LV contractility (p<0,05). Conclusion. To objectively assess the severity of clinical course of CHD in elderly patients, the following data should be taken into account: hematocrit and CRP levels, increased levels of creatinine and urea, and the results of EchoCG, CA, and LVG.

Keywords

• biomarkers
• left ventriculum
• coronary arteries
• coronary heart disease