Abstract 11174: Hypertension in Hispanics/Latinos is Associated with Adverse Alterations in Cardiac Structure and Function

Introduction: Hispanic/Latino adults have been reported to be less aware of their hypertension (HTN) diagnosis and less likely to be on treatment compared to non-Hispanic white and black adults. These disparities suggest that Hispanic adults with HTN are at high risk for developing structural heart disease. Yet, limited data exist regarding how HTN affects cardiac structure and function in this population. Hypothesis: Higher long-term antecedent blood pressure (BP) level is associated with adverse changes in cardiac structure and function in Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: The study sample consisted of 6,144 participants of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos free of prior cardiovascular disease who had BP measured at visits 1 and 2 (2010-2011 and 2014-2017, respectively) and underwent echocardiography at visit 2. Mean systolic and diastolic BP were averaged across visits 1 and 2. Those who were taking antihypertensive medications were imputed as follows: values for systolic BP (+10 mmHg) and diastolic BP (+5 mmHg). Results: Mean age was 57±10 years, 54% were women. 48% had imputed mean systolic BP ≥130 or diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg. Increasing age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes prevalence, and worsening kidney function were associated with more severe hypertension. Increasing mean BP was associated with increased prevalence of concentric remodeling and concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Higher BP was also associated with adverse changes in diastolic function parameters including left atrial volume index, septal e’, E/A ratio, and E/e’. These differences persisted after adjusting for age, sex, Hispanic subgroup, BMI, kidney function, diabetes, alcohol use, and cholesterol level. LV ejection fraction did not significantly differ across BP groups. Conclusions: Increased prevalence of HTN in a Hispanic/Latino adult population is associated with LV hypertrophy, concentric remodeling, and diastolic dysfunction.