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Reference Values for Echocardiography in Middle‐Aged Population: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Author(s) -
Ruohonen Saku,
Koskenvuo Juha W.,
WendelinSaarenhovi Maria,
Savontaus Mikko,
Kähönen Mika,
Laitinen Tomi,
Lehtimäki Terho,
Jokinen Eero,
Viikari Jorma,
Juonala Markus,
Taittonen Leena,
Tossavainen Päivi,
Kallio Merja,
Bax Jeroen J.,
Raitakari Olli
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
echocardiography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1540-8175
pISSN - 0742-2822
DOI - 10.1111/echo.13025
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , population , reference values , reference range , environmental health
Background Population and sex‐specific reference limits produced with modern ultrasound equipment are needed for accurate clinical echocardiography diagnostics. We report a comprehensive set of reference limits of cardiac function and dimensions in a group of young and middle‐aged Finnish men and women produced by the recommendations of European Society of Echocardiography and American Society of Cardiology. Methods and Results Cardiac structure and function was studied in a standardized comprehensive echocardiographic examination in 1,079 healthy volunteers without cardiovascular diseases or major known risk factors participating in the population‐based Young Finns study (444 men and 635 women, age range 34 and 49 years). We present sex‐specific reference values for echocardiographic parameters reflecting cardiac structure (ventricular and atrial dimensions and volumes, left ventricular wall thickness and mass, aortic root) and function. From the 86 measured parameters, only 7 were not statistically significantly different between sexes. Conclusion The Young Finns study provides echocardiographic reference ranges for cardiac structure and function quantification that can be utilized to enhance the accuracy or echocardiography diagnostics. The results emphasize the need for sex‐specific assessment for most echocardiographic parameters.