Abstract
Abstract only Introduction: Right ventricle (RV) changes secondary to severe lung disease are well described, but the association of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and subclinical airflow obstruction with RV function is unexplored. Methods: Serial echocardiograms conducted 4.3 years apart on 1643 adults (mean age 56.4 years, 41.5% female) during ECHO-SOL visits 1 (2011-2014) and 2 (2015-2018) were analyzed. RV baseline function and change over time (from visit 1 to 2) were assessed by echocardiographic outcomes: RV fractional area change (RVFAC, %), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, mm), peak S’ velocity (cm/sec), tricuspid regurgitant maximum pressure gradient (TR max PG, mmHg), and RV velocity-time integral (RV VTI, cm). PFTs assessed by spirometry during HCHS/SOL visit 1 (2008-2011) included forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in liters, forced vital capacity (FVC) in liters, and FEV1/FVC ratio. Regression models were utilized. All analyses were weighted to account for complex survey design. Results: Greater baseline FEV1 and FVC volumes were associated with more favorable RV systolic function at visits 1 and 2 evidenced by greater TAPSE, higher peak S’ velocity (only visit 1), and lower RV pulmonary flow (TR max PG, RV VTI). However, an inverse association was seen between FEV1 and RVFAC at visit 2. Greater baseline FEV1/FVC was also associated with higher peak S’ velocity at visit 1, lower TR max PG at visit 2 but less favorable TAPSE at visit 2. ( Table ) Conclusion: Better lung function was associated with healthier RV function at baseline and over time among Hispanic/Latino individuals, highlighting the association of pulmonary function with RV function.