Normal values for longitudinal function of the right ventricle in healthy women >70 years of age

The application of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as an additional echocardiographic tool to analyse right ventricular (RV) systolic function has been recently established and two-dimensional-guided M-mode measurements of systolic long axis function of the RV are simple, repeatable, and highly reproducible. However, rare data are available on normal values. We aimed to analyse normal values in healthy women >70 years of age.

In a cross-sectional survey, we investigated a cohort of randomly selected, non-hospitalized women >70 years of age. History of myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, and diastolic dysfunction were exclusion criteria. In order to rule out left ventricular or RV dysfunction, a normal left ventricular ejection fraction and normal values of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were necessary prior to study inclusion. A detailed echocardiographic examination was performed. A total of 80 participants were included (mean age 75 ± 2.6 years). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 63.8 ± 5.7%. Tissue Doppler derived mean E/E′ ratio was 10 ± 2.3. Mean right atrial diameter was 31.3 ± 4.7 mm. Mean values for RV outflow tract and RV dimension were 27.3 ± 3.6 and 28.8 ± 3.7 mm, respectively. Mean TAPSE was 23.7 ± 3.5 mm. Mean value of BNP was normal (42.5 ± 35.7 pg/mL).

In women >70 years of age without heart failure, structural heart disease, and neurohormonal activation, normal TAPSE values are ∼24 mm.