Normal Values of Echocardiographic Parameters and Incidence of Valvular Heart Findings in 2229 Iranian Peaple: Results from the “HAMRAH Survey”

Introduction: It is crucial to define the normal ranges of echocardiographic parameters and their relationships with age, sex, race, and geographical differences given the failure of the existing literature to reflect the diversity of the world’s populations. This study aimed to determine the normal ranges of echocardiographic systolic and diastolic values and the incidence of valvular heart lesions with or without rheumatic involvement in a sample of Iranian population. Methods: The Echocardiography Heart Assessment and Monitoring in Rajaie Hospital study is a population‑based investigation conducted in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. A total of 2229 Iranian individuals between 30 and 75 years of age without clinical cardiovascular diseases were invited through a multistage random sampling process, and they underwent two‑dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, the interventricular septal thickness, the ascending aortic size, the LV diastolic function, the valvular heart disease (VHD) severity, and rheumatic valvular involvement were assessed. Results: The study population comprised 2229 patients: 882 men (40%) and 1347 women (60%) at an age range of 39–58 years and a mean age of 48 years. The average body mass index was 28.8 kg/m2 (25.9–32 kg/m2), and the median body surface area was 1.86. Mildsystolic dysfunction was reported in 119 patients (5.7%) and moderate systolic dysfunction in 19 (0.9%). LV systolic dysfunction was significantly correlated with the male sex, age, and hypertension (P < 0.001). The mean interventricular septal thickness was 8 mm. Mild LV hypertrophy (LVH) was detected in 5.5% of all the patients and moderate LVH in 0.4%. The mean interventricular septal thickness significantly increased with age (P < 0.001), and it was higher in the men than in the women (8.2 mm [7.8–9.2] vs. 8 mm [7–8.25]; P < 0.001). Mild LVH and moderate LVH were significantly correlated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.001). Diastolic dysfunction was found in 29% of the patients (28.6% mild and 0.2% moderate). Significant correlations were found between LV diastolic dysfunction and age, the female sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001). The mean ascending aortic size was 31 mm in the men and 29 mm in the women. The ascending aortic size exceeded 37 mm in 5% of the men and 3.5% of the women. The indexed ascending aortic size was 1.54 cm/m2 in the men and 1.66 cm/m2 in the women. Valvular heart lesions were diagnosed in about half of the study population. The most common findings were mild regurgitation in the mitral and tricuspid valves. Multiple valvular disorders were found in 55% of the patients. Among significant (moderate and more‑than‑moderate) VHDs, tricuspid regurgitation (36%), mitral regurgitation (33%), and aortic regurgitation (19%) were the most frequent VHDs. Rheumatic valvular involvement was diagnosed in 31 (1.4%) patients. Conclusions: Echocardiographic parameters vary with age, sex, and race, and they should be population adjusted. We recommend further research in different areas of Iran to obtain sufficient data for the creation of an applicable guideline regarding echocardiographic parameters.