Simple Echocardiographic Parameters are Strong Predictors of the Cardiovascular Risk in Asymptomatic Individuals: Elsa-Brasil Cohort

Background: Several studies have evaluated echocardiographic abnormalities as predictors of cardiovascular risk; however, none have associated the global cardiovascular risk with echocardiographic abnormalities in the Brazilian population. Objective: This study evaluates the association between the global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score) and three echocardiographic abnormalities: left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and increased left atrium (LA) volume. Methods: The study population was composed of participants from ELSA-Brasil who underwent echocardiography between 2008 and 2010 (n = 2973). They were asymptomatic and had no history of cardiovascular disease. The ASCVD score was calculated in two periods: 2008-2010 and 2012-2014. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: There is an association between echocardiographic abnormalities and high global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score >= 7.5) in both study periods, separately. The combined global risk (low risk in the first period and high risk in the second period) was significantly associated only with LVDD (PR = 3.68, CI 95% 2.63-5.15) and LVH (PR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.62-3.00). Conclusion: Echocardiographic abnormalities (LVDD, LVH, and increased LA volume) are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk in Brazilian adults.