Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of Tei index of right ventricle and serum level of NT-proBNP in patients with high-altitude heart disease (HAHD).
Methods: Right ventricle Tei index and serum NT-proBN level were calculated and tested in 32 local healthy volunteers and 34 cases of HAHD patients hospitalized in our hospital in Golmud city (2808 meters above sea level) from 2008 to 2010, and a correlation study was conducted thereafter.
Results: The pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and right ventricle Tei index, elevated significantly in HAHD patients compared with the control group [(86.61 vs 9.72) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and (0.90 vs 0.33) respectively, P < 0.05]. Patients diagnosed as mild pulmonary hypertension without alteration in cardiac structure showed higher pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and the Tei index compared with the control group [(57.1 vs 9.72) mm Hg and (0.78 vs 0.33) respectively, P < 0.05]. In addition, the level of serum NT-proBNP was significantly higher in HAHD group than that of control group [(1246.8 ± 512.6) ng/L and (98.6 ± 21.7) ng/L respectively, P < 0.05].
Conclusion: Right ventricle Tei index and serum NT-proBNP level are sensitive indicators for right ventricular function and thus of favorable clinical significance for the diagnosis of HAHD.