Association of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy With a Faster Rate of Renal Function Decline in Elderly Patients With Non‐End‐Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND: Several studies have indicated that chronic kidney disease is independently associated with the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, little clinical data are currently available regarding the detailed correlation between LVH and renal function in elderly patients with non–end‐stage renal disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 300 in‐ and outpatients (more than 60 years of age, non‐end‐stage renal disease), 251 with LVH and 49 without LVH, seen at Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2000 to December 2010 were included in this retrospective study. One observation period of 12 months was used to detect rapid kidney function decline. The evaluations of cardiac structure and function were performed via echocardiography. The multivariable logistic analysis showed patients with LVH had a much higher risk of rapid kidney function decline than those without LVH. Additionally, the baseline left ventricular mass index was 140 (125–160) g/m(2) in the non–chronic kidney disease group, 152 (130–175) g/m(2) in the mild chronic kidney disease group (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), and 153 (133–183) g/m(2) in the severe chronic kidney disease group (eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), with a significant difference (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that a high rate of renal function decline contributes to pathological LVH in non–end‐stage renal disease elderly patients and that LVH is positively associated with renal function decline followed by an increased risk of rapid kidney function decline.