Increased left ventricular mass index and nocturnal systolic blood pressure in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria

Aims: To compare left ventricular mass (LVM) index and function in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without microalbuminuria and to investigate the clinical determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy. Methods: Echocardiography, electrocardiography and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed in microalbuminuric (n-29) and normoalbuminuric (n = 29) patients with Type 2 diabetes and no clinical evidence of heart disease. Groups were individually matched for age, sex and diabetes duration and smoking status. Results: LVM index (62 (34-87) vs. 52 (33-89) g/m2.7, P = 0.04) and LVH prevalence, using two out of three definitions, were greater in patients with microalbuminuria (LVM/height2.7: 72 vs. 59%, P = 0.27, LVM/height: 66 vs. 38%, P = 0.04, LVM/body surface area: 59 vs. 31%, P = 0.03). Night-time systolic blood pressure (126 (99-163) vs. 120 (104-157) mmHg, P = 0.005) and the night/day systolic blood pressure ratio (0.92 (0.08) vs. 0.88 (0.06), P = 0.04) were higher in those with microalbuminuria. Systolic and diastolic function were similar in both groups. Linear regression analyses showed that body mass index (BMI) was significantly related to loge LVM-index (R2 = 11.8%, P = 0.005) and a relationship with night/day systolic blood pressure was also suggested (R2 = 4.6%, P = 0.057). Conclusions: In patients with Type 2 diabetes; LVH is more common and severe in those with microalbuminuria. Its presence may be related to raised night/day systolic blood pressure ratio and is significantly related to BMI. The high prevalence of LVH strengthens the case for echocardiographic screening in Type 2 diabetes to identify high risk patients who might benefit from aggressive cardiovascular risk factor intervention.