Association between Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Functional Outcomes at Three Months in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BackgroundLeft ventricular dysfunction (LVD) was associated with stroke occurrence and mortality. However, few studies have published the impact of LVD on functional stroke outcomes in the acute stroke period.MethodsWe enrolled 1554 patients who were admitted to Dong-A University Hospital between January 2011 and November 2014. To determine the functional outcomes, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months after stroke was used. The severity of LVD was defined depending on ejection fraction (EF): (1) severe (EF ≤ 40%); (2) mild (40% < EF < 55%); and (3) normal (EF ≥ 55%). EF was measured using transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. The distribution of mRS scores at 3 months after stroke was presented using LVD. Multivariable analysis was performed to predict poor functional outcomes.ResultsOf the 1554 patients, 1417 had normal LV function, 87 had mild LVD, and 50 had severe LVD. Patients with LVD were older and had a high incidence of diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and severe stroke symptoms. With respect to treatment, patients with LVD received more thrombolysis and more anticoagulation medication after stroke. Stroke­related disability at discharge and at 3 months was significantly associated with LVD. In the multivariable analyses, old age, diabetes mellitus, high initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, stroke mechanism, and LVD were independent predictors of poor functional outcomes at 3 months.ConclusionsLVD is associated with poor functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke.