Echocardiographic reference values in elderly with a focus on octogenarians and older

Aims: Most published material on echocardiographic reference values includes individuals up to the age of 60-70, but reference values for older individuals remain scarce. Accurate interpretation of transthoracic echocardiographic reference values in octogenarians and older individuals requires updated values that reflect healthy ageing. This study aims to compare transthoracic echocardiographic reference values of healthy octogenarians and older individuals with those of younger age groups. Methods and results: A total of 248 individuals were studied. The group was divided into three age categories: sexagenarians, septuagenarians, and octogenarians or older. The participants underwent a standard transthoracic echocardiographic examination according to current guidelines. The main differences between age groups were observed in values related to left ventricular diastolic function. There was a significant difference in some values related to systolic function, such as a significant decrease in mitral annular plane systolic excursion in octogenarians compared to sexagenarians and septuagenarians. Conclusion: The present study showed statistically significant differences in some echocardiographic parameters primarily reflecting the left ventricular diastolic function. In addition, a significant difference in some values related to systolic function were also found. These findings emphasize the need for age-adapted reference values to improve diagnostic accuracy in elderly.