Left ventricular mass-geometry and silent cerebrovascular disease: The Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) study

Role of Cardiac Biomarkers in Stroke and Cognitive Impairment

This topical review assesses the growing role of cardiac biomarkers beyond cardiovascular health and focuses on their importance in stroke and dementia. The first part describes blood-based cardiac biomarkers in patients with stroke and highlights applications in the setting of early diagnosis, poststroke complications, outcome prediction as well as secondary prevention. Among other applications, natriuretic peptides can be helpful in differentiating stroke subtypes. They are also currently being investigated to guide prolonged ECG monitoring and secondary prevention in patients with stroke. Elevated cardiac troponin after ischemic stroke can provide information about various poststroke complications recently termed the stroke-heart syndrome. The second part focuses on the role of cardiac biomarkers in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, emphasizing their association with structural brain lesions. These lesions such as silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensities often co-occur with cardiac disease and may be important mediators between cardiovascular disease and subsequent cognitive decline. ECG and echocardiogram measurements, in addition to blood-based biomarkers, show consistent associations with vascular brain changes and incident dementia, suggesting a role in indicating risk for cognitive decline. Together, the current evidence suggests that cardiac blood-based, electrophysiological, and imaging biomarkers can be used to better understand the heart and brain connection in the setting of not only stroke but also dementia.

Differential associations between abnormal cardiac left ventricular geometry types and cerebral white matter disease

OBJECTIVES

Reduced cardiac outflow due to left ventricular hypertrophy has been suggested as a potential risk factor for development of cerebral white matter disease. Our study aimed to examine the correlation between left ventricular geometry and white matter disease volume to establish a clearer understanding of their relationship, as it is currently not well-established.

METHODS

Consecutive patients from 2016 to 2021 who were ≥18 years and underwent echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and brain MRI within one year were included. Four categories of left ventricular geometry were defined based on left ventricular mass index and relative wall thickness on echocardiography. White matter disease volume was quantified using an automated algorithm applied to axial T2 FLAIR images and compared across left ventricular geometry categories.

RESULTS

We identified 112 patients of which 34.8 % had normal left ventricular geometry, 20.5 % had eccentric hypertrophy, 21.4 % had concentric remodeling, and 23.2 % had concentric hypertrophy. White matter disease volume was highest in patients with concentric hypertrophy and concentric remodeling, compared to eccentric hypertrophy and normal morphology with a trend-P value of 0.028. Patients with higher relative wall thickness had higher white matter disease volume (10.73 ± 10.29 cc vs 5.89 ± 6.46 cc, P = 0.003), compared to those with normal relative wall thickness.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that abnormal left ventricular geometry is associated with higher white matter disease burden, particularly among those with abnormal relative wall thickness. Future studies are needed to explore causative relationships and potential therapeutic options that may mediate the adverse left ventricular remodeling and its effect in slowing white matter disease progression.

Left ventricular hypertrophy as a risk factor for accelerated brain aging: Results from the Study of Health in Pomerania

Previous studies provided evidence for the importance of cardiac structure abnormalities, in particular greater left ventricular (LV) mass, for brain aging, but longitudinal studies are lacking to date. We included 926 individuals (median age 48 years; 53% women) from the TREND cohort of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) without reduced ejection fraction or a history of myocardial infarction. LV mass index (LVMI) was determined by echocardiography at baseline. Brain morphometric measurements were derived from magnetic resonance images at baseline and 7-year follow-up. Direct effects of baseline LVMI on brain morphometry at follow-up were estimated using linear regression models with adjustment for baseline brain morphometry. At baseline, median LVMI was 40 g/m2.7 and 241 individuals (26%) met the criterion of LV hypertrophy. After correction for multiple testing, baseline LVMI was directly associated with reduced global cortical thickness and increased cortical brain age at follow-up independent from hypertension and blood pressure. Exposure-outcome relations were nonlinear and significantly stronger in the upper half of the exposure distribution. Specifically, an increase in baseline LVMI from the 50% quantile to the 95% quantile was associated additional 2.7 years (95% confidence interval = [1.5 years, 3.8 years]) of cortical brain age at follow-up. Additional regional analyses yielded bilateral effects on multiple frontal cortical regions. Our findings highlight the role of cardiac structure in brain aging. LVMI constitutes an easily measurable marker that might help to identify persons at risk for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Axonal Injury Partially Mediates Associations Between Increased Left Ventricular Mass Index and White Matter Damage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Left ventricular (LV) mass index is a marker of subclinical LV remodeling that relates to white matter damage in aging, but molecular pathways underlying this association are unknown. This study assessed if LV mass index related to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of microglial activation (sTREM2 [soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2]), axonal injury (NFL [neurofilament light]), neurodegeneration (total-tau), and amyloid-β, and whether these biomarkers partially accounted for associations between increased LV mass index and white matter damage. We hypothesized higher LV mass index would relate to greater CSF biomarker levels, and these pathologies would partially mediate associations with cerebral white matter microstructure.

METHODS

Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project participants who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance, lumbar puncture, and diffusion tensor imaging (n=142, 72±6 years, 37% mild cognitive impairment [MCI], 32% APOE-ε4 positive, LV mass index 51.4±8.1 g/m2, NFL 1070±588 pg/mL) were included. Linear regressions and voxel-wise analyses related LV mass index to each biomarker and diffusion tensor imaging metrics, respectively. Follow-up models assessed interactions with MCI and APOE-ε4. In models where LV mass index significantly related to a biomarker and white matter microstructure, we assessed if the biomarker mediated white matter associations.

RESULTS

Among all participants, LV mass index was unrelated to CSF biomarkers (P>0.33). LV mass index interacted with MCI (P=0.01), such that higher LV mass index related to increased NFL among MCI participants. Associations were also present among APOE-ε4 carriers (P=0.02). NFL partially mediated up to 13% of the effect of increased LV mass index on white matter damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical cardiovascular remodeling, measured as an increase in LV mass index, is associated with neuroaxonal degeneration among individuals with MCI and APOE-ε4. Neuroaxonal degeneration partially reflects associations between higher LV mass index and white matter damage. Findings highlight neuroaxonal degeneration, rather than amyloidosis or microglia, may be more relevant in pathways between structural cardiovascular remodeling and white matter damage.

Cardiac Hypertrophy Is Associated With Advanced Brain Aging in the General Population

Background

Hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV) has recently been associated with adverse changes of brain structure in older adults, notably increased burden of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). Whether greater LV size or mass is also related to WMH burden in middle‐aged adults is currently unclear. In addition, its relation with alterations in cortical thickness (CT) has not been studied to date.

Methods and Results

Data from 1602 participants of the population‐based SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania) with LV ejection fraction >40% and no history of myocardial infarction were included (aged 21–82 years; median age, 49 years; 53% women). Participants underwent both echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head. Imaging markers of brain aging (ie, CT and WMH volume) were determined from magnetic resonance imaging scans. LV mass and diameter were associated with lower global CT and greater WMH volume, while adjusting for age, sex, body height, fat‐free body mass, and intracranial volume. Moreover, thicknesses of the interventricular septum and posterior wall were also associated with lower global CT. These associations could not be explained by cardiovascular risk factors (including hypertension), inflammatory markers, or sociodemographic factors. Regional analyses showed distinct spatial patterns of lower CT in association with LV diameter and posterior wall thickness.

Conclusions

LV diameter and mass are associated with lower global and regional CT as well as greater WMH burden in the general population. These findings highlight the brain structural underpinnings of the associations of LV hypertrophy with cognitive decline and dementia.

Echocardiographic left ventricular geometry profiles for prediction of stroke, coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality in the Chinese community: a rural cohort population study

Background

The utility of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) geometry in the prediction of stroke/coronary heart disease (CHD) and all-cause mortality is not well characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the overall and sex-specific prognostic value of different geometric patterns on the incidence of stroke/CHD and all-cause mortality in a Chinese population-based cohort.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in the general population in Northeast China, and a total of 9940 participants aged ≥ 35 years underwent echocardiography for LV geometry and were successfully followed up for incident stroke/CHD and all-cause death. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to estimate the association of baseline LV geometry with adverse outcomes.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 4.66 years, abnormal LV geometric patterns had increased crude incident rates of stroke/CHD and all-cause mortality compared with normal geometry in overall population and each sex group (all P < 0.05). Multivariable Cox analysis reported that LV concentric and eccentric hypertrophy were associated with incident stroke/CHD (concentric hypertrophy: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.86; eccentric hypertrophy: HR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.11–1.82) and all-cause mortality (concentric hypertrophy: HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.07–2.12; eccentric hypertrophy: HR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.19–2.10), and LV concentric remodeling was related to stroke/CHD incidence (HR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.09–1.84) in total population compared to normal geometry after the adjustment for potential confounders. In men, a significant increase was observed from LV eccentric hypertrophy for incident stroke/CHD, whereas in women, LV concentric hypertrophy was associated with elevated incidence of both stroke/CHD and all-cause death, and eccentric hypertrophy was correlated with increased all-cause mortality (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our prospective cohort supports that abnormal LV geometry by echocardiography has a prognostic significance for incident stroke/CHD and all-cause mortality, implying that early detection and intervention of LV structural remodeling in rural China are urgently needed to prevent adverse outcomes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02055-w.

Cerebrovascular Disease and Cognitive Outcome in Patients with Cardiac Disease

The pace of understanding cognitive decline and dementia has rapidly accelerated over the past decade, with constantly evolving insights into the vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Notably, more overlap has been discovered in the pathophysiology between what was previously understood to be Alzheimer's disease and VCID, leading to a heightened emphasis on disease prevention through early and aggressive control of vascular risk factors. One particularly vulnerable population may be those with cardiac disease, as they are at risk for cerebrovascular disease, which itself can lead to dementia, and increasing evidence supports cognitive impairment in disease processes such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation, independent of ischemic stroke, suggesting other potential mechanisms. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the relationship between cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cognitive decline and discuss the ongoing and future research efforts aimed at defining the important relationship between these entities.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with the risk of stroke and dementia independently of other vascular risk factors, but its association with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) remains unknown. Here, we employed a systematic review and meta-analysis to address this gap.

Methods

Following the MOOSE guidelines (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42018110305), we systematically searched the literature for studies exploring the association between LVH or left ventricular (LV) mass, with neuroimaging markers of CSVD (lacunes, white matter hyperintensities [WMHs], cerebral microbleeds [CMBs]). We evaluated risk of bias and pooled association estimates with random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

We identified 31 studies (n=25,562) meeting our eligibility criteria. In meta-analysis, LVH was associated with lacunes and extensive WMHs in studies of the general population (odds ratio [OR]_lacunes, 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 2.00) (OR_WMH, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.17) and studies in high-risk populations (OR_lacunes: 2.39; 95% CI, 1.32 to 4.32) (OR_WMH, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.45 to 2.80). The results remained stable in general population studies adjusting for hypertension and other vascular risk factors, as well as in sub-analyses by LVH assessment method (echocardiography/electrocardiogram), study design (cross-sectional/cohort), and study quality. Across LV morphology patterns, we found gradually increasing ORs for concentric remodelling, eccentric hypertrophy, and concentric hypertrophy, as compared to normal LV geometry. LVH was further associated with CMBs in high-risk population studies.

Conclusions

LVH is associated with neuroimaging markers of CSVD independently of hypertension and other vascular risk factors. Our findings suggest LVH as a novel risk factor for CSVD and highlight the link between subclinical heart and brain damage.

Association Between Central Blood Pressure and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease in Older Adults

Elevated blood pressure (BP) level is one of the most consistently identified risk factors for silent brain disease. BP values obtained at the proximal segment of the aorta (central BP) are more directly involved than brachial BP in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. However, the association between central BP and silent cerebrovascular disease has not been clearly established. Participants in the CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study (n=993; mean age, 71.7±9.3 years; 37.9% men) underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography, arterial wave reflection analysis for determination of central BPs, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Central BPs were calculated from the radial pulse waveform. Subclinical silent cerebrovascular disease was defined as silent brain infarction and white matter hyperintensity volume. Both brachial (P=0.014) and central pulse pressure (P=0.026) were independently associated with silent brain infarctions after adjustment for clinical variables, but not adjusting for each other. None of the brachial BP values was associated with upper quartile of white matter hyperintensity volume in multivariable analysis. Both central systolic BP (P<0.001) and central pulse pressure (P<0.001) were significantly associated with upper quartile of white matter hyperintensity volume in multivariable analysis, even after adjustment for brachial BP. In a predominantly older population-based cohort, both brachial and central pulse pressure were independently associated with silent brain infarction. However, higher central systolic BP and central pulse pressure, but not brachial BP, were significantly associated with white matter hyperintensity volume.

Associations of Echocardiography Markers and Vascular Brain Lesions: The ARIC Study

Background

Associations between subtle changes in cardiac and cerebral structure and function are not well understood, with some studies suggesting that subclinical cardiac changes may be associated with markers of vascular brain insult.

Methods and Results

Data from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study (5th ARIC visit; 2011‐2013; N=1974) were used to explore relationships between abnormalities of cardiac structure/function and subclinical brain disease and to test specific associations between those cardiac and vascular brain changes that share a common mechanism. In adjusted models white matter hyperintensities were 0.66 cm³ greater (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08‐1.25) for every 1‐mm increase in left ventricular LV wall thickness and 0.64 cm³ greater (95% CI 0.19‐1.08) for every 10 g/m² increase in LV mass index, both markers of LV structure. Odds of brain infarction also increased with greater LV wall thickness (odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI 1.01‐1.23 per 1 mm) and larger LV mass (odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.00‐1.17 per 10 g/m²). Higher ejection fraction (per 5%), a marker of systolic function, was significantly associated with decreased odds of overall infarct (odds ratio 0.85, 95% CI0.77‐0.95), but not with cortical infarction (odds ratio 0.92, 95% CI0.78‐1.08).

Conclusions

Among elderly participants in a large cohort study, subclinical markers of LV structure and LV systolic dysfunction were associated with increased odds of brain infarction and more white matter hyperintensities, independent of other vascular risk factors. This suggests end‐organ dysfunction occurs in the heart and brain in parallel, with further studies needed to determine causality.

Study on the incidence and risk factor of silent cerebrovascular disease in young adults with first-ever stroke

Silent cerebrovascular diseases, including silent brain infarcts (SBI), white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and cerebral microbleed, are closely correlated with stroke progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and potential risk factors of SBI and WMH in young patients with first-ever stroke.A total of 400 young patients with first-ever stroke were included in this study and received magnetic resonance imaging test. The distributions of stroke subtypes were analyzed based on patients' age and gender. The prevalence of SBI and WMH was evaluated in different age groups and stroke subtypes. Independent risk factors for SBI and WMH were identified using logistic regression analysis.The distribution of stroke subtypes was not correlated with patients' age or gender in our study. The incidence of SBI and WMH among all of the young stroke patients was 14.50% and 8.75%, respectively, which showed an upward tendency with age. The percentages of both SBI and WMH were significantly higher in small-vessel disease patients than in cases with other subtype diseases (all P < .05). Hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.645, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.429-4.896, P = .002 for SBI; OR = 5.474, 95% CI = 2.319-12.921, P = .000 for WMH; OR = 39.988, 95% CI = 3.988-400.949, P = .002 for SBI and WMH) and homocysteine (OR = 4.033, 95% CI = 2.191-7.425, P = .000 for SBI; OR = 5.989, 95% CI = 2.637-13.602, P = .000 for WMH; OR = 4.068, 95% CI = 1.207-13.715, P = .024 for SBI and WMH) might be potential risk factors for SBI and WMH.The prevalence of silent cerebrovascular disease was elevated with age. Hypertension and elevated homocysteine levels were 2 risk factors for silent cerebrovascular disease in young stroke patients.

Electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality and silent vascular brain injury: The Northern Manhattan Study

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that P wave terminal Force in the V1 lead (PTFV₁) would be associated with leukoaraiosis and subclinical infarcts, especially cortical infarcts, in a population-based, multi-ethnic cohort.

Methods

PTFV₁ was collected manually from baseline electrocardiograms of clinically stroke-free Northern Manhattan Study participants. Investigators read brain MRIs for superficial infarcts, deep infarcts, and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV). WMHV was adjusted for head size and log transformed, achieving a normal distribution. Logistic regression models investigated the association of PTFV₁ with cortical and with all subclinical infarcts. Linear regression models examined logWMHV. Models were adjusted for demographics and risk factors.

Results

Among 1174 participants with PTFV₁ measurements, the mean age at MRI was 70 ± 9 years. Participants were 14.4% white, 17.6% black, and 65.8% Hispanic. Mean PTFV₁ was 3587.35 ± 2315.62 μV-ms. Of the 170 subclinical infarcts, 40 were cortical. PTFV₁ ≥ 5000 μV-ms was associated with WMHV in a fully adjusted model (mean difference in logWMHV 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.28). PTFV₁ exhibited a trend toward an association with cortical infarcts (unadjusted OR per SD change logPTFV₁ 1.30, 95% CI 0.94–1.81), but not with all subclinical infarcts.

Conclusion

Electrocardiographic evidence of left atrial abnormality was associated with leukoaraiosis.

Right heart remodeling induced by arterial hypertension: Could strain assessment be helpful?

Left ventricular structural and functional changes in patients with arterial hypertension are well established. However, the influence of arterial hypertension on right ventricular (RV) remodeling is still being investigated. The introduction of strain analysis provided an insight into RV function and mechanics. Previous research has demonstrated the predictive value of RV longitudinal strain in patients with various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, congenital heart diseases, and valvular disease. Nowadays, we are aware of the fact that conventional echocardiographic methods usually do not provide necessary information about RV dysfunction in patients with arterial hypertension, which is why the evaluation of new parameters that could detect RV subtle changes in hypertension is essential. The present review article is an overview of the main principles of RV deformation and a summary of the current knowledge and clinical significance of RV strain in patients with arterial hypertension.

Association Between Heart Rate and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease in the Elderly

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although increased heart rate (HR) is a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, its possible association with subclinical cerebrovascular disease, which is prevalent in the elderly, has not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the association of daytime, nighttime, 24-hour HR, and HR variability with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in an elderly cohort without history of stroke.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 680 participants (mean age, 73±7 years; 42% men) in sinus rhythm who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and HR monitoring, 2-dimensional echocardiography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging as part of the CABL study (Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesion). Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was defined as silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV). The relationship of HR measures with the presence of silent brain infarct and upper quartile of log WMHV (log WMHV4) was analyzed.

RESULTS

Presence of silent brain infarct was detected in 93 participants (13.7%); mean log WMHV was -0.92±0.93 (median, -1.05; min, -5.88; max, 1.74). Multivariate analysis showed that only nighttime HR (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29 per 10 bpm; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.61; P=0.026) was significantly associated with log WMHV4, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, ambulatory systolic blood pressure, and echocardiographic parameters. No similar association was observed for daytime HR and HR variability. There was no significant association between all HR measures and silent brain infarct.

CONCLUSIONS

In a predominantly elderly cohort, elevated nighttime HR was associated with WMHV, suggesting an independent role of HR in subclinical cerebrovascular disease.