Recent studies have shown that easily recordable, non-invasive Doppler time index correlates with left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. The aim of present study was to evaluate the significance of Doppler time index by patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensives patients.

This echocardiographic and Doppler study investigated the relationship between left ventricular geometric shape (normal, concentric remodelling, concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy) and diastolic function in a 87 patients with essential hypertension and 55 normal subjects. Doppler time index was defined as the summation of isovolumetric contraction (ICT) and relaxation time (IRT) divided by ejection time (ET).

Among left ventricular geometric patterns in hypertensive patients, high prevalence of eccentric hypertrophy (32%). Except IVRT in concentric hypertrophic group, no difference were found in Doppler determination of diastolic function between the geometric groups. The Doppler time index significantly correlated with IVRT and deceleration time (DT) of E wave. However, Doppler time index had 71% sensitivity and 89% specificity in assessment of diastolic dysfunction.

The Doppler time index was significantly correlate with Doppler index of mitral flow. But, this index can be a lesser sensitive indicator of pure diastolic dysfunction.