Long-Term Effect of Corticosteroids on Cardiac Function

摘要

QA2 interval, preejection period and ejection time were calculated from the data of simultaneously recorded ECG, PCG, and external carotid arterial pulse wave in patients with adrenocortical overfunction, namely, Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism, and in patients with nephrotic syndrome or collagen disease under longterm treatments with large doses of glucocorticoids.PEP/ET ratio, which is considered inversely related to the maximal dp/dt of the left ventricle, was markedly increased in the patients with Cushing's syndrome, and in those who were treated with large doses of glucocorticoids for prolonged periods. The PEP/ET ratio in the patients with primary aldosteronism was also increased but not so marked. These results suggest that longterm use of large doses of glucocorticoids impairs the myocardial contractility.