Echocardiographic Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of the Hyperdynamic Heart: A 'Super-Normal' Heart is not a Normal Heart

Abstract

A hyperdynamic heart is defined as a left ventricular (LV) with an ejection fraction (EF) above the normal range. Is this favorable? We looked at the diastolic properties of subjects with a hyperdynamic heart and its impact on outcome. Consecutive echocardiography examinations during 5 years were evaluated by EF subgroups, including a hyperdynamic heart (EF >70%). All examinations with significant LV hypertrophy or valve disease were excluded. The study included 16,994 subjects. A total of 720 subjects (4.2%) had a hyperdynamic heart. Subjects with a hyperdynamic heart were older, more likely to be women, and more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. A total of 20% of patients had a diagnosis of heart failure. This group had a higher heart rate, smaller ventricular size, and the highest relative wall thickness. All indexes of diastolic dysfunction were significantly more prevalent in the hyperdynamic group. This included a higher LV mass, larger left atrial volume, reduced relaxation (smaller mitral e'), longer deceleration time, and higher LV end-diastolic pressures (high mitral E/e' ratio) and peak tricuspid regurgitation gradient. Diastolic dysfunction, defined by an abnormal functional or structural parameter, was present in 78% of the subjects. Survival was significantly lower in the group with a hyperdynamic heart. The Cox regression analysis after adjustment demonstrated reduced survival during a median 9-year follow-up in the hyperdynamic group compared with those with a normal EF (hazard ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.38 to 1.76, p <0.001). In conclusion, subjects with a hyperdynamic systolic function have increased prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and reduced survival. A hyperdynamic heart is not a normally functioning heart.