Arterial stiffness: methods of measurement, physiologic determinants and prediction of cardiovascular outcomes

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in children aged 6-16 years and their evolution in early adulthood in a 10-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and arterial hypertension (AH) in children represent well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) events during adult life. We investigated any changes regarding several CV risk (CVR) factors in children after a 10-year follow-up period.

METHODS

A cohort of 143 healthy children, elementary/high school students, 6-16 years old, was initially evaluated in 2010-2011 regarding CVR factors [obesity, blood pressure (BP), aortic stiffness (PWV), lipid profile] plus food habits/sports activity. At 10-years follow-up (2020-2021), 63/143 (44%) young adults were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

Children with obesity (45%) had increased BP (p < 0.001) and a less favorable LDL-C/triglycerides profile (p = 0.001) compared to overweight/normoweight ones. In a 10-year follow-up, obesity and exercise improved (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005), systolic BP (SBP) (102 ± 13 vs. 118 ± 11 mmHg, p < 0.001) and PWV increased (6.1 ± 1 vs. 7.7 ± 1.1 m/sec, p < 0.001), LDL-C (96 ± 21 vs. 86 ± 24 mg/dl, p = 0.004) and HDL-C + (64 ± 18 vs. 55 ± 10 mg/dl, p < 0.001) decreased, triglycerides increased (62 ± 21 vs. 73 ± 34 mg/dl, p = 0.04), and food approached the western model of nutrition (less fish/fruits). In children/young adults, BMI was associated with age (Beta = 0.47, p < 0.001 and Beta = 0.36, p = 0.004), SBP (Beta = 0.46 and Beta = 0.52, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (Beta = 0.27 and Beta = 0.44, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In children with obesity, increased BMI and waist circumference were related to SBP and a less favorable lipid profile. At the 10-year re-evaluation, obesity was partially improved, physical activity was increased, and SBP had reached the high-normal levels in a substantial number of young adults, while lipid profile was less favorable (for HDL-C/triglycerides) compared to baseline evaluation. Our results highlight the evolution of CVR factors from childhood to early adulthood.

Longitudinal profiling and tracking stability in the Singapore study of macro-angiopathy and microvascular reactivity in type 2 diabetes cohort

INTRODUCTION

The Singapore Study of Macro-Angiopathy and microvascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes (SMART2D) is a prospective cohort study which was started in 2011 to investigate the effect of risk factors on vascular function and diabetes-related complications in Asians. We aimed to compare the longitudinal change in risk factors by accounting for batch effect and assess the tracking stability of risk factors over time in patients recruited for SMART2D. In this study, we (1) described batch effect and its extent across a heterogenous range of longitudinal data parameters; (2) mitigated batch effect through statistical approach; and (3) assessed the tracking stability of the risk factors over time.

METHODS

A total of 2258 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were recruited at baseline. The study adopted a three-wave longitudinal design with intervals of 3 years between consecutive waves. The changes in a few selected risk factors were assessed after calibration, assuming patients with similar demographic and anthropometry profile had similar physiology. The tracking pattern of the risk factors was determined with stability coefficients derived from generalised estimating equations.

RESULTS

The medians of the longitudinal differences in risk factors between the waves were mostly modest at <10%. Larger increases in augmentation index (AI), aortic systolic blood pressure (BP) and aortic mean BP were consistently observed after calibration. The medians of the longitudinal differences in AI, aortic systolic BP and aortic mean BP between the waves were <2% before calibration, but increased slightly to <5% after calibration. Most of the risk factors had moderate to high tracking stability. Muscle mass and serum creatinine were among those with relatively high tracking stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal differences in parameters between the waves were overall modest after calibration, suggesting that calibration may attenuate longitudinal differences inflated by non-biological factors such as systematic drift due to batch effect. Changes of the hemodynamic parameters are robust over time and not entirely attributable to age. Our study also demonstrated moderate to high tracking stability for most of the parameters.

Hypertension and atrial fibrillation

Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor underlying atrial fibrillation and is present in up to 40% of patients with atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, attributable risk studies have shown that a history of hypertension contributes to up to 24% of incident atrial fibrillation. New data suggest that even early forms of hypertension (prehypertension and aortic stiffness) are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation development. Hypertension and prehypertension are therefore critical mediators for the development of atrial fibrillation. Mechanisms for the association between hypertension and atrial fibrillation include diffuse electro-structural changes to the left atrium, driven by the haemodynamic and neurohormonal influences of hypertension and other, frequently coexisting, cardiovascular risk factors. Management of hypertension in atrial fibrillation should focus not only on blood pressure reduction but also on a comprehensive risk factor modification strategy. Such strategies have been shown to be associated with significant improvements in atrial fibrillation symptom burden as well as improved arrhythmia-free survival and reversal of the progression of atrial fibrillation. These strategies should focus on dietary modifications as well as prescribed exercise programmes involving a multidisciplinary team and patient-centred atrial fibrillation care. Risk factor management, supplemented by antihypertensive medications as needed, provides the optimum strategy for improving outcomes and even reversing the natural progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertension.

The relationship between sarcopenia and central hemodynamics in older adults with falls: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Falls are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients. Sarcopenia and central blood pressure may be associated with falls. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and blood pressure parameters in older patients with falls.

METHODS

A comprehensive geriatric evaluation of 72 elderly patients was performed using established assessment tests. Peripheral and central hemodynamic measurements, including office DBP and SBP, daytime-night peripheral and central DBP and SBP, cardiac output, augmentation index, pulse wave velocity (PWV), pulse rate, and peripheral resistance and reflection, were measured with a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measuring device.

RESULTS

Of 72 patients with a mean age of 77.51 ± 6.5 years, 12 (16.7%) were non-sarcopenic, 32 (44.4%) were probable, nine (12.5%) were confirmed, and 19 (26.4%) were severe sarcopenic. PWV, which is an indicator of arterial stiffness, was found to be significantly higher in the sarcopenic group. The other cardiac risk markers [daytime peripheral SBP, mean arterial pressure (night), pulse pressure (daytime), and peripheral resistance (daytime and night)] were significantly lower in the sarcopenic patients. PWV correlated with gait speed, Katz score, and hand grip strength (Spearman's rho: -0.337, -0.310, and -0.334; P < 0.001, 0.008, and 0.001, respectively). Age and hypertension were the most important factors increasing the risk of falls.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is associated with central and peripheral blood pressure changes in patients with falls. When sarcopenia is diagnosed in older people with falls, 24-hour ambulatory peripheral and central pressures should be evaluated for cardiac risk screening.

Low serum 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels are associated with increased arterial stiffness in healthy children: An echocardiographic study from Turkey

OBJECTIVE

Arterial stiffness refers to arterial wall rigidity, particularly in central vessels, and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in many chronic diseases. 25-Hydroxy (OH) vitamin D has beneficial effects on blood pressure, vascular endothelial function, and arterial stiffness; most importantly, its deficiency is common worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the role of 25-OH vitamin D deficiency in arterial stiffness development and its relationship with arterial stiffness in healthy children.

METHODS

This study included 80 patients with low levels of 25-OH vitamin D and 40 healthy control subjects. The study participants were then divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of patients with a deficient 25-OH D level of < 19.9 ng/ml, group 2 with an insufficient 25-OH D level between 20 and 29.9 ng/ml; group 3 were considered control group with a sufficient serum 25-OH vitamin D level of ≥30 ng/ml. Aortic strain, distensibility, stiffness index, and standard left ventricular measurements were calculated using M-mode echocardiographic data.

RESULTS

Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and inter-ventricular septal diastolic thickness (IVST) appeared to increase in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3. Aortic strain and distensibility were significantly decreased in group 1, whereas aortic stiffness index and elastic modulus were significantly increased. The aortic stiffness index was negatively correlated with serum 25-OH vitamin D levels; however, aortic strain, aortic distensibility, and LVMI were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results revealed a significant relationship between 25-OH vitamin D levels indicative of a deficiency and aortic stiffness. Hence, we suggest that arterial stiffness may also occur in healthy children with a 25-OH vitamin D deficiency. Future in-depth studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms underlying the aortic stiffness development associated with 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.

Perturbations of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Cardiovascular Responses and Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Simple Summary

The present study aimed to assess and compare the effects of receiving CAF (cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/fluorouracil) and AC-T (doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide→taxanes) on exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses in patients with early-stage breast cancer. We herein demonstrated that AC-T chemotherapy increased resting heart rate (RHR) and induced a greater reduction in exercise tolerance at the end of chemotherapy compared with CAF. Moreover, AC-T also lowered myocardial perfusion more than CAF, and it appeared that myocardial impairment occurred before the development of arterial stiffening after chemotherapy. We, therefore, suggest that AC-T chemotherapy might further limit the exercise capacity of patients with early-stage breast cancer. This study provides fundamental information regarding the variety of cardiovascular responses to exercise after chemotherapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer. This information will help clinical professionals in the fields of oncological and rehabilitation medicine to precisely prescribe post-chemotherapy exercise programs when patients are receiving different chemotherapies.

Abstract

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapies are commonly used for treating early-stage breast cancer. However, whether chemotherapeutic regimens affect exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of receiving CAF and AC-T on exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Methods: Thirty-four patients with breast cancer (age: 44 ± 1 years; stage I-II) received either CAF (n = 15) or AC-T (n = 19), depending on clinical decisions. Their step-exercise tolerance and cardiovascular responses were assessed before and after chemotherapy. Results: After chemotherapy, there were no differences in baseline measurements between patients receiving CAF or AC-T. The increases in resting heart rate (RHR) of those receiving AC-T was significantly greater than that of those receiving CAF. CAF and AC-T did not result in increased pulse wave velocity (PWV), yet the subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) in patients receiving AC-T was significantly lower than the baseline. Greater change in post-exercise heart rate recovery (recovery HR) after chemotherapy was observed in those who had received AC-T; the Recovery HR in AC-T patients was significantly higher during post-exercise period than that in CAF patients. Conclusions: AC-T chemotherapy increases RHR and impairs exercise tolerance after chemotherapy more than CAF. Moreover, AC-T also lowers myocardial perfusion more than CAF after chemotherapy.

High Pulse Wave Velocity Is Associated With Decreased Macular Vessel Density in Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and retinal vessel density (VD) measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

Methods

This retrospective study included 103 patients with NTG and 109 healthy controls who underwent glaucoma examination and PWV measurements. Each group was classified into two subgroups according to a brachial-ankle PWV of 1400 cm/s. NTG was diagnosed when the maximum untreated intraocular pressure was < 21 mmHg on three repeated measurements obtained at different times in the presence of glaucomatous optic discs (neuroretinal rim thinning and excavation), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer defects, and glaucomatous visual field defects. Healthy controls did not have glaucomatous optic discs or visual field defects and exhibited normal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. The interval between glaucoma examination and PWV measurements did not exceed six months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with high PWV.

Results

PWV was higher in the NTG group than in the control group, while peripapillary VD and macular VD (mVD) were lower (all P < 0.05). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that high PWV was significantly associated with age, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and mVD in the NTG group. Meanwhile, high PWV was significantly associated with age, MAP, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in healthy controls.

Conclusions

High PWV is associated with decreased mVD in NTG patients, suggesting that systemic arterial stiffness might be involved in the pathogenesis of NTG.

On the assessment of arterial compliance from carotid pressure waveform

In a progressively aging population, it is of utmost importance to develop reliable, noninvasive, and cost-effective tools to estimate biomarkers that can be indicative of cardiovascular risk. Various pathophysiological conditions are associated to changes in the total arterial compliance (C_T), and thus, its estimation via an accurate and simple method is valuable. Direct noninvasive measurement of C_T is not feasible in the clinical practice. Previous methods exist for indirect estimation of C_T, which, however, require noninvasive, yet complex and expensive, recordings of the central pressure and flow. Here, we introduce a novel, noninvasive method for estimating C_T from a single carotid waveform measurement using regression analysis. Features were extracted from the carotid wave and were combined with demographic data. A prediction pipeline was adopted for estimating C_T using, first, a feature-based regression analysis and, second, the raw carotid pulse wave. The proposed methodology was appraised using the large human cohort (N = 2,256) of the Asklepios study. Accurate estimates of C_T were yielded for both prediction schemes, namely, r = 0.83 and normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) = 9.58% for the feature-based model, and r = 0.83 and nRSME = 9.67% for the model that used the raw signal. The major advantage of this method pertains to the simplification of the technique offering easily applicable and convenient C_T monitoring. Such an approach could offer promising applications, ranging from fast and cost-efficient hemodynamical monitoring by the physician to integration in wearable technologies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article introduces a novel artificial intelligence method to estimate total arterial compliance (C_T) via exploiting the information provided by an uncalibrated carotid blood pressure waveform as well as typical clinical variables. The major finding of this study is that C_T, which is usually acquired using both pressure and flow waveforms, can be accurately derived by the use of the pressure wave alone. This method could potentially facilitate easily applicable and convenient monitoring of C_T.

Determination of Aortic Characteristic Impedance and Total Arterial Compliance From Regional Pulse Wave Velocities Using Machine Learning: An in-silico Study

In-vivo assessment of aortic characteristic impedance (Z ao ) and total arterial compliance (C T ) has been hampered by the need for either invasive or inconvenient and expensive methods to access simultaneous recordings of aortic pressure and flow, wall thickness, and cross-sectional area. In contrast, regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements are non-invasive and clinically available. In this study, we present a non-invasive method for estimating Z ao and C T using cuff pressure, carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV), and carotid-radial PWV (crPWV). Regression analysis is employed for both Z ao and C T . The regressors are trained and tested using a pool of virtual subjects (n = 3,818) generated from a previously validated in-silico model. Predictions achieved an accuracy of 7.40%, r = 0.90, and 6.26%, r = 0.95, for Z ao , and C T , respectively. The proposed approach constitutes a step forward to non-invasive screening of elastic vascular properties in humans by exploiting easily obtained measurements. This study could introduce a valuable tool for assessing arterial stiffness reducing the cost and the complexity of the required measuring techniques. Further clinical studies are required to validate the method in-vivo.

Identification of Aortic Proteins Involved in Arterial Stiffness in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Treated With Perindopril:A Proteomic Approach

Arterial stiffness, frequently associated with hypertension, is associated with disorganization of the vascular wall and has been recognized as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality. The identification of the molecular mechanisms involved in aortic stiffness would be an emerging target for hypertension therapeutic intervention. This study evaluated the effects of perindopril on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and on the differentially expressed proteins in aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), using a proteomic approach. SHR and Wistar rats were treated with perindopril (SHR_P) or water (SHRc and Wistar rats) for 8 weeks. At the end, SHR_C presented higher systolic blood pressure (SBP, +70%) and PWV (+31%) compared with Wistar rats. SHR_P had higher values of nitrite concentration and lower PWV compared with SHR_C. From 21 upregulated proteins in the aortic wall from SHR_C, most of them were involved with the actin cytoskeleton organization, like Tropomyosin and Cofilin-1. After perindopril treatment, there was an upregulation of the GDP dissociation inhibitors (GDIs), which normally inhibits the RhoA/Rho-kinase/cofilin-1 pathway and may contribute to decreased arterial stiffening. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that treatment with perindopril reduced SBP and PWV in SHR. In addition, the proteomic analysis in aorta suggested, for the first time, that the RhoA/Rho-kinase/Cofilin-1 pathway may be inhibited by perindopril-induced upregulation of GDIs or increases in NO bioavailability in SHR. Therefore, we may propose that activation of GDIs or inhibition of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway could be a possible strategy to treat arterial stiffness.

Sex-related associations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with aortic stiffness and endothelial glycocalyx integrity in treated hypertensive patients

Smoking, a well-recognized major cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, impairs endothelial function and increases aortic stiffness which indicates subclinical organ damage in hypertensive patients. Loss of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) integrity, as part of the endothelium, represents endothelial dysfunction. The authors aimed to investigate the role of increased HDL cholesterol levels (HDL-C), which usually are considered protective against CV disease, in aortic stiffness and endothelial integrity in middle-aged treated hypertensive patients regarding smoking habit. The authors studied 193 treated hypertensive patients ≥40 years (mean age = 61±11 years, 58% females), divided in four groups regarding sex and smoking. Increased perfusion boundary region of the 5-9 μm diameter sublingual arterial microvessels (PBR_5-9 ) was measured as a noninvasive accurate index of reduced EG thickness. Aortic stiffness was estimated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). In the whole population, an inverse weak relationship was found between HDL-C and PWV (r = -.15, P = .03) and PBR_5-9 (ρ = -.15, P = .03). Moreover, HDL-C was negatively related to PBR_5-9 in males (r = -.29, P = .008) either smokers (r = -.35, P < .05) or non-smokers (r = -.27, P < .05) and PWV in female non-smokers (r = -.28, P = .009). In a multiple linear regression analysis, using age, weight, smoking, HDL-C, and LDL-C as independent variables, we found that HDL-C independently predicts PWV in the whole population (β = -.14, P = .02) and PBR_5-9 in male hypertensive patients (β = -.28, P = .01). Higher HDL-C levels are associated with reduced aortic stiffness in hypertensive patients, while they protect EG and subsequently endothelial function in middle-aged, treated hypertensive male patients (either smokers or not).

Isometric handgrip training reduces blood pressure and wave reflections in East Asian, non-medicated, middle-aged and older adults: a randomized control trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on central and peripheral blood pressure (BP) and wave reflections in East Asian non-medicated middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

Twenty-two men and women (mean age 65 ± 11 years) who were not actively involved in regular resistance or endurance training were randomly assigned to a group that did IHG and a control (CON) group. The IHG training was comprised of four unilateral 2-min isometric contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction using a programmed handgrip dynamometer with 1-min rest periods for 5 days per week for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Baseline central systolic BP (cSBP), brachial systolic BP (bSBP), brachial diastolic BP (bDBP), and the augmentation index (AIx) (via an automated applanation tonometric system) did not differ significantly between the groups. Compared to baseline, cSBP, bSBP, bDBP, and AIx decreased significantly after the 8-week study period in the IHG group (P < 0.05). No significant changes in central and peripheral BP and AIx were observed in the CON group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that IHG training could reduce central and peripheral BP and wave reflections in East Asian non-medicated middle-aged and older adults.

Steady-State Multifrequency Magnetic Resonance Elastography of the Thoracic and Abdominal Human Aorta-Validation and Reference Values

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of stroboscopic-wavefield-sampling-based multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (sMRE) for quantifying the stiffness of the human thoracic and abdominal aorta in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sMRE of the thoracic and abdominal aorta was performed at 1.5 T field strength in 20 healthy volunteers aged 27 to 77 years (3 women; median age, 33 years; interquartile range [IQR], 16 years). Compound maps of shear wave speed (SWS) were reconstructed and evaluated during the diastolic phase in 3 anatomical regions: ascending thoracic aorta (AA), descending thoracic aorta (AD), and abdominal aorta (AAb). The SWS maps were read by 2 readers. Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were determined noninvasively before sMRE. Data are given as median (IQR) and were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Intraclass correlation was used to determine interobserver and intraobserver agreement, as well as reproducibility. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate effects of age, sex, vessel diameter, blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and aortic segment on measured SWS.

RESULTS

All 20 participants underwent successful sMRE, resulting in a total of 60 aortic segments. The median SWS (IQR) of AA, AD, and AAb was 1.62 (0.16) m/s, 2.40 (0.24) m/s, and 2.48 (0.58) m/s, respectively. The SWS in AA was significantly lower (P < 0.001), and no differences in SWS (P = 0.67) were found between AD and AAb. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement, as well as reproducibility, was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.957 and 0.998. A significant but weak influence of age on measured SWS was found, which increased from AA to AD and AAb (R = 0.229, 0.275, 0.377, respectively; P = 0.001-0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of aortic stiffness in different segments of the human aorta is possible with sMRE. Our results correlate well with known aortic stiffness differences in different anatomical locations and demonstrate the potential of sMRE for clinical stiffness measurement of the thoracoabdominal aorta, which may allow detection of physiological variation and cardiovascular diseases.

Inter-operator Reliability for Measuring Pulse Wave Velocity and Augmentation Index

Background: Arterial stiffness is a reversible precursor to hypertension. However, research is needed to determine the minimum amount of training required before acceptable arterial stiffness measurements are collected by novice operators. Objective: To compare novice vs. experienced operator measurements over a 2-week training period to assess when expert-like measures are achieved by the novice operator. Method: Forty-one participants (18 males, 23 females, age: 46.6 ± 14.9 years; BMI: 25.2 ± 3.8; systolic blood pressure: 122.8 ± 14.7 mmHg) received alternating novice and experienced operator arterial stiffness assessments. Measurements included: pulse wave velocity (PWV; using the automatic-capture time-periods of 5-, 10-, and 20-s) and augmentation index (AIx75) measurements using the SphygmoCor XCEL System v1 (AtCor Medical Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia). Data were chronologically arranged into quintiles. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient for PWV substantially improved from quintile 1 (r < 0.8) to quintile 2 and beyond (typically r > 0.8) while AIx75 improved consistently (r = 0.7 in quintile 1 and r = 0.97 in quintile 5). The coefficient of variation was lowest in quintile 4 (PWV: 4.7-6% across the three measurement time-periods; and 15% for AIx75) but increased in quintile 5 (PWV: 6.2-10.5%; and 25% for AIx75). All measurements demonstrated acceptable to excellent reliability after quintile 2. Conclusion: To achieve expert-like PWV measurements in this study, the novice operator underwent a familiarization session including guided practice measurements on 5 different people, for 10-15 min per person on two occasions (~2.5 h). The novice operator then required ≥14 practice measurements, with accuracy continuing to improve up to 30 participants. At least 30 training measurements are recommended for novices to take acceptable AIx75 measurements after a familiarization training.

Association of the second derivative of photoplethysmogram with age, hemodynamic, autonomic, adiposity, and emotional factors

The second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) is used as an arterial stiffness marker. This study aimed to examine the associations between SDPTG indices and age, in addition to hemodynamic, autonomic, adiposity, and emotional factors.This study had a cross-sectional chart review design, and electronic medical records of 262 women outpatients (mean ± SD,|38.57| ± |11.64 years) were reviewed. Among SDPTG measurements, b/a, c/a, d/a, and (b-c-d)/a were considered. Hemodynamic measurements included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and cardiac output. Autonomic measurements included low and high frequency (LF and HF) values of the heart rate variability. Adiposity measurements included body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Tension, anger, depression, fatigue, confusion, and vigor scores using the Profile of the Mood States were included as emotional markers. All data were normalized through the Box-Cox transformation, and 4 hierarchical regression models were constructed.Age was independently predictive of SDPTG, hemodynamic, autonomic, and adiposity factors (β; 0.143-0.648).After the adjustment for age, SBP and DBP showed negative correlations with d/a (r = -0.201, -0.262), whereas BMI, WHR, LF, and HF showed positive correlations with c/a (r = 0.126, 0.131, 0.151, 0.234). In the hierarchical regression modeling, age and hemodynamic factors were directly predictive of SDPTG indices (β; 0.103-0.626). Age had moderating effects between diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, depression scores, and SDPTG indices (β; 0.104-0.176).In conclusion, age, hemodynamic, adiposity, and autonomic factors may be independently associated with SDPTG indices for women. As age has moderating effects between hemodynamic, emotional factors, and SDPTG indices, its moderating effects should be considered when assessing arterial stiffness using SDPTG indices.

Pulse wave analysis using the Mobil-O-Graph, Arteriograph and Complior device: a comparative study

PURPOSE

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness with major prognostic value. We compared Arteriograph and Complior devices with the Mobil-O-Graph for assessment of PWV and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 316 consecutive subjects (age: 55 ± 14 years). For each individual, we measured PWV and cSBP with Arteriograph, Complior and Mobil-O-Graph and compared the readings. Differences in values among three devices were calculated for each measurement. We used Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV).

RESULTS

Bland-Altman analysis indicated a mean difference for PWV: i.0.5 m/s (limits of agreement -1.4-2.4) between Complior and Mobil-O-Graph, ii.0.6 m/s (limits of agreement -1.4-2.6) between Arteriograph and Mobil-O-Graph. cSBP mean difference was 3.8 mmHg between Complior and Mobil-O-Graph (limits of agreement -12.5-20.1) and 9.2 mmHg between Arteriograph and Mobil-O-Graph (limits of agreement -7.6-26). ICC for PWV was 0.86 between Arteriograph and Mobil-O-Graph, 0.87 between Complior and Mobil-O-Graph and for cSBP 0.92 and 0.91 respectively. CV for PWV was 9.5% between Arteriograph and Mobil-O-Graph, 8.8% between Complior and Mobil-O-Graph. Respective values for cSBP were 6.8% and 5.1%.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows acceptable agreement among the three devices regarding pulse wave analysis markers though Mobil-O-Graph appears to underestimate the values of these markers. Further studies are needed to explore the agreement between the 3 devices in various clinical settings and patient populations.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association between Arterial Stiffness and Sarcopenia in Chinese Community-Dwelling Elderly Using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia Criteria

BACKGROUND

Several previous researches had found artery stiffness associated skeletal muscle mass, but not considering muscle strength and physical performance, which also were compositions of sarcopenia. This study aims to reveal the relationship of artery stiffness and sarcopenia using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria.

METHODS

Study was performed on 1002 Chinese community dwelling participants aged ≥65 years from November 2016 to March 2017. Body composition, muscle strength, physical performance, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) considering as artery stiffness index were measured.

RESULTS

In multiple regression analysis, baPWV was associated with handgrip (β=-0.13, P=0.04) and Relative skeletal muscle mass index (ASM/Ht2) (β=-0.02, P<0.01), but not with 4-meter velocity (P=0.21). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that 1-SD (3.50m/s) increased in baPWV was still associated with a 11% (CI, 4%-20%; P<0.01) higher odds of being sarcopenia. In the gender subgroup analysis, the relationship of baPWV and sarcopenia remain significant in men (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07-1.42, P<0.01), but not in women (P=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

High brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling elderly, with gender differences.

The impact of 2 years of high-intensity exercise training on a model of integrated cardiovascular regulation

KEY POINTS

Heart rate variability, a common and easily measured index of cardiovascular dynamics, is the output variable of complicated cardiovascular and respiratory control systems. Both neural and non-neural control mechanisms may contribute to changes in heart rate variability. We previously developed an innovative method using transfer function analysis to assess the effect of prolonged exercise training on integrated cardiovascular regulation. In the present study, we modified and applied this to investigate the effect of 2 years of high-intensity training on circulatory components to tease out the primary effects of training. Our method incorporated the dynamic Starling mechanism, dynamic arterial elastance and arterial-cardiac baroreflex function. The dynamic Starling mechanism gain and arterial-cardiac baroreflex gain were significantly increased in the exercise group. These parameters remained unchanged in the controls. Conversely, neither group experienced a change in dynamic arterial elastance. The integrated cardiovascular regulation gain in the exercise group was 1.34-fold larger than that in the control group after the intervention. In these previously sedentary, otherwise healthy, middle-aged adults, 2 years of high-intensity exercise training improved integrated cardiovascular regulation by enhancing the dynamic Starling mechanism and arterial-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity.

ABSTRACT

Assessing the effects of exercise training on cardiovascular variability is challenging because of the complexity of multiple mechanisms. In a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled study, we examined the effect of 2 years of high-intensity exercise training on integrated cardiovascular function, which incorporates the dynamic Starling mechanism, dynamic arterial elastance and arterial-cardiac baroreflex function. Sixty-one healthy participants (48% male, aged 53 years, range 52-54 years) were randomized to either 2 years of exercise training (exercise group: n = 34) or control/yoga group (controls: n = 27). Before and after 2 years, subjects underwent a 6 min recording of beat-by-beat pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PAD), stroke volume index (SV index), systolic blood pressure (sBP) and RR interval measurements with controlled respiration at 0.2 Hz. The dynamic Starling mechanism, dynamic arterial elastance and arterial-cardiac baroreflex function were calculated by transfer function gain between PAD and SV index; SV index and sBP; and sBP and RR interval, respectively. Fifty-three participants (controls: n = 25; exercise group: n = 28) completed the intervention. After 2 years, the dynamic Starling mechanism gain (Group × Time interaction: P = 0.008) and the arterial-cardiac baroreflex gain (P = 0.005) were significantly increased in the exercise group but remained unchanged in the controls. There was no change in dynamic arterial elastance in either of the two groups. The integrated cardiovascular function gain in the exercise group increased 1.34-fold, whereas there was no change in the controls (P = 0.02). In these previously sedentary, otherwise healthy middle-aged adults, a 2 year programme of high-intensity exercise training improved integrated cardiovascular regulation by enhancing the dynamic Starling mechanism and arterial-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity, without changing dynamic arterial elastance.

Effects of exercise modalities on central hemodynamics, arterial stiffness and cardiac function in cardiovascular disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Exercise is accepted as an important contribution to the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to better understand the possible causes for lack of consensus and reviews the effects of three exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance and combined exercise) on central hemodynamics, arterial stiffness and cardiac function for better rehabilitation strategies in CVD.

METHODS

The electronic data sources, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO (CINAHL), and ScienceDirect from inception to July 2017 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of exercise modalities in adult patients with CVD. The effect size was estimated as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to study potential moderating factors.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles describing RCTs with a total of 2089 patients with CVD were included. The pooling revealed that aerobic exercise [MD(95%CI) = -5.87 (-8.85, -2.88), P = 0.0001] and resistance exercise [MD(95%CI) = -7.62 (-10.69, -4.54), P<0.00001] significantly decreased aortic systolic pressure (ASP). Resistance exercise significantly decreased aortic diastolic pressure [MD(95%CI) = -4(-5.63, -2.37), P<0.00001]. Aerobic exercise significantly decreased augmentation index (AIx) based on 24-week exercise duration and patients aged 50-60 years. Meanwhile, aerobic exercise significantly improved carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) [MD(95%CI) = -0.42 (-0.83, -0.01), P = 0.04], cardiac output (CO) [MD(95% CI) = 0.36(0.08, 0.64), P = 0.01] and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD(95%CI) = 3.02 (2.11, 3.93), P<0.00001]. Combined exercise significantly improved cf-PWV [MD(95%CI) = -1.15 (-1.95, -0.36), P = 0.004] and CO [MD(95% CI) = 0.9 (0.39, 1.41), P = 0.0006].

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic and resistance exercise significantly decreased ASP, and long-term aerobic exercise reduced AIx. Meanwhile, aerobic and combined exercise significantly improved central arterial stiffness and cardiac function in patients with CVD. These findings suggest that a well-planned regime could optimize the beneficial effects of exercise and can provide some evidence-based guidance for those involved in cardiovascular rehabilitation of patients with CVD.

The comorbidity of increased arterial stiffness and microalbuminuria in a survey of middle-aged adults in China

BACKGROUND

Increased arterial stiffness (iAS) and microalbuminuria (MAU), which may occur simultaneously or separately in the general population and share similar risk factors, are markers of macro- and microvascular injuries. Our research investigated the comorbidity of iAS and MAU in the middle-aged population and examined the heterogeneous effects of metabolic risk factors on iAS and MAU.

METHODS

We selected 11,911 individuals aged 45 to 60 years who underwent a health examination at the 3rd Xiangya Hospital between 2010 and 2014. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was determined according to IDF/NHLBI/AHA-2009 criteria. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to evaluate the influence of MetS, components of MetS and clusters of MetS on the co-occurrence (MAU(+)/iAS(+)) or non-co-occurrence (MAU(+)/iAS(-) and MAU(-)/iAS(+)) of MAU and iAS.

RESULTS

Reference group was MAU(-)/iAS(-). A positive effect of MetS on the presence of MAU(+)/iAS(-), MAU(-)/iAS(+), or MAU(+)/iAS(+) is listed in ascending order based on odds ratios (ORs = 2.11, 2.41, 4.61, respectively; P < 0.05). Compared with MAU(+)/iAS(-), Elevated blood pressure (BP) (OR = 1.62 vs. 4.83, P < 0.05), triglycerides(TG) (OR = 1.20 vs. 1.37, P < 0.05) were more strongly associated with MAU(-)/iAS(+), whereas fasting blood glucose (FBG) was less associated (OR = 1.37 vs. 1.31, P < 0.05). Decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c) (OR = 1.84, P < 0.01) and elevated waist circumference(WC) (OR = 1.28 P < 0.01) were the most strongly associated with MAU(+)/iAS(-). Compared with the individuals without MetS, individuals with the elevated BP, FBG, TG and decreased HDL-c cluster had the greatest likelihood of presenting a MAU(-)/iAS(+) (OR = 5.98, P < 0.01) and MAU(+)/iAS(+) (OR = 13.17, P < 0.01), these likelihood was even greater than the cluster with simultaneous alteration in all five MetS components (OR = 3.89 and 10.77, respectively, P < 0.01), which showed the most strongly association with MAU(+)/iAS(+) (OR = 5.22, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Based on the heterogeneous influences of MetS-related risk factors on MAU and iAS, these influences could be selectively targeted to identify different types of vascular injuries.

Associations between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Arterial Stiffness: A Prospective Analysis Based on the Maine-Syracuse Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate prospective associations between type 2 diabetes mellitus status and the gold standard non-invasive method for ascertaining arterial stiffness, carotid femoral pulse wave velocity.

METHODS

The prospective analysis employed 508 community-dwelling participants (mean age 61 years, 60% women) from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Pulse wave velocity at wave 7 (2006-2010) was compared between those with type 2 diabetes mellitus at wave 6 (2001-2006) (n = 52) and non-diabetics at wave 6 (n = 456), with adjustment for demographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle- and pulse wave velocity-related factors.

RESULTS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus status was associated with a significantly higher pulse wave velocity (12.5 ± 0.36 vs. 10.4 ± 0.12 m/s). Multivariate adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle- and pulse wave velocity-related variables did not attenuate the findings. The risk of an elevated pulse wave velocity (≥12 m/s) was over 9 times higher for those with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus than for those without diabetes (OR 9.14, 95% CI 3.23-25.9, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly if uncontrolled, is significantly associated with risk of arterial stiffness later in life. Effective management of diabetes mellitus is an important element of protection from arterial stiffness.

Sauna exposure leads to improved arterial compliance: Findings from a non-randomised experimental study

Background Heat therapy has been suggested to improve cardiovascular function. However, the effects of hot sauna exposure on arterial compliance and the dynamics of blood flow and pressure have not been well documented. Thus, we investigated the short-term effects of sauna bathing on arterial stiffness and haemodynamics. Design The design was an experimental non-randomised study. Methods There were 102 asymptomatic participants (mean age, 51.9 years) who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Participants were exposed to a single sauna session (duration: 30 min; temperature: 73℃; humidity: 10-20%). Pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, heart rate, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, augmented pressure and left ventricular ejection time were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min after a single sauna session. Results Sauna bathing led to reductions in pulse wave velocity, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and left ventricular ejection time. Mean pulse wave velocity value before sauna was 9.8 m/s and decreased to 8.6 m/s immediately after sauna bathing ( p < 0.001 for difference), and was 9.0 m/s after the 30-minute recovery period ( p < 0.001 for analysis of variance). Systolic blood pressure was 137 mm Hg before sauna bathing, decreasing to 130 mm Hg after sauna ( p < 0.001), which remained sustained during the 30-minute recovery phase ( p < 0.001 for analysis of variance). After a single sauna session, diastolic blood pressure decreased from 82 to 75 mm Hg, mean arterial pressure from 99.4 to 93.6 mm Hg and left ventricular ejection time from 307 to 278 m/s ( p < 0.001 for all differences). Pulse pressure was 42.7 mm Hg before the sauna, 44.9 mm Hg immediately after the sauna, and reduced to 39.3 mm Hg after 30-minutes recovery ( p < 0.001 for analysis of variance). Heart rate increased from 65 to 81 beats/min post-sauna ( p < 0.001); there were no significant changes for augmented pressure and pulse pressure amplification. Conclusion This study shows that pulse wave velocity, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, left ventricular ejection time and diastolic time decreased immediately after a 30-minute sauna session. Decreases in systolic blood pressure and left ventricular ejection time were sustained during the 30-minute recovery phase.

Microvascular endothelial function in Japanese early adolescents

Endothelial dysfunction is the early predictive factor for the development of atherosclerosis and future cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. The prevalence of endothelial dysfunction in children and early adolescents is increasing worldwide. Peripheral arterial tonometry is a noninvasive technique for assessing peripheral microvascular function and is used as a validated marker of endothelial function. We assessed anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and peripheral endothelial function in 157 Japanese early adolescents (75 boys and 82 girls). We measured peripheral endothelial function by using peripheral arterial tonometry to determine the reactive hyperemia index, and assessed the association of reactive hyperemia index with parameters of anthropometry and arterial stiffness. The mean reactive hyperemia index of all subjects was 1.85 ± 0.6, and there was no difference of reactive hyperemia index according to sex. Reactive hyperemia index was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and had no correlation with anthropometric parameters and arterial stiffness markers. The reactive hyperemia index values among Japanese early adolescents were similar to those reported in previous studies on children and early adolescents. This noninvasive technique may be useful for the assessment of microvascular endothelial function among children and early adolescents.

Pulse wave travel distance as a novel marker of ventricular-arterial coupling

Each stroke volume ejected by the heart is distributed along the arterial system as a pressure waveform. How far the front of the pressure waveform travels within the arterial system depends both on the pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the ejection time (ET). We tested the hypothesis that ET and PWV are coupled together, in order to produce a pulse wave travel distance (PWTD = PWV × ET) which would match the distance from the heart to the most distant site in the arterial system. The study was conducted in 11 healthy volunteers. We recorded lead II of the ECG along with pulse plethysmography at ear, finger and toe. The ET at the ear and pulse arrival time to each peripheral site were extracted. We then calculated PWV followed by PWTD for each location. Taken into account the individual subject variability PWTD_Toe in the supine position was 153 cm (95% CI 146-160 cm). It was not different from arterial pathway distance from the heart to the toe (D _Toe 153 cm). The PWTD_Finger and PWTD_Ear were longer than the distance from the heart to the finger and ear irrespective of body position. ET_Ear and PWV_Toe appear to be coupled in healthy subjects to produce a PWTD that is roughly equivalent to the arterial pathway distance to the toe. We propose that PWTD should be evaluated further to test its potential as a noninvasive parameter of ventricular-arterial coupling in subjects with cardiovascular diseases.

Adiposity, but not Obesity, Is Associated With Arterial Stiffness in Young Nulliparous Women

Subclinical vascular dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The evidence linking indices of obesity and vascular dysfunction is mixed. As an example, some data suggest that adiposity may be a better predictor of endothelial dysfunction than body mass index (BMI). The aim of the current study is to compare the association of obesity, as evaluated by BMI, and a direct measure of body fat to biophysical parameters of vascular function including flow-mediated vasodilation and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in healthy nulliparous reproductive-age women. This is a secondary analysis of data collected as a prospective study of prepregnancy physiology in healthy, nulliparous women. Body mass index was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m²). Total and android body fat were calculated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Brachial PWV and flow-mediated vasodilation were assessed ultrasonographically. Seventy-nine women were evaluated. Mean BMI was 24.4 (5.4) kg/m², and 15% of women were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). In contrast, 39% were considered to have excess adiposity, with ≥39% android body fat. Brachial PWV was associated with increased adiposity, but not obesity. We found no differences in flow-mediated dilation associated with either BMI or body fat. Adiposity may be superior to BMI in identifying women with vascular dysfunction at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome and cardiovascular disease. Proper identification may allow implementation of prevention strategies to improve perinatal outcomes and maternal health.

Influence of arterial stiffness on cardiovascular outcome in patients without high blood pressure

Objective

Although blood pressure (BP) is a major determinant of arterial stiffness, whether high pulse wave velocity (PWV) adversely influences cardiac parameters and cardiovascular (CV) outcome in patients without high BP remains unclear.

Methods

Outpatients without high BP (n=320), defined as systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, were enrolled in this retrospective study. At baseline, all patients underwent echocardiography and multidetector CT to determine the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score. Arterial stiffness was assessed based on brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), from which patients were classified into two groups: those with high (≥18 m/s, n=89) and low baPWV (<18 m/s, n=231). Cardiac parameters and CV event incidence during the follow-up period were compared between these groups.

Results

In multivariable linear regression analysis, baPWV was significantly associated with CAC score and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide hormone level, after adjustment for confounding factors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, baPWV ≥18 m/s was significantly associated with CAC score ≥400 (OR 2.466, 95% CI 1.012 to 6.009, p=0.0471). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the high-baPWV group experienced more CV events during the 575 days of follow-up (20% vs 6%, p=0.0003).

Conclusions

High baPWV was associated with greater CAC and a high risk of a future CV event, especially coronary artery disease, even in patients without high BP.

Differences in cardio-ankle vascular index in a general Mediterranean population depending on the presence or absence of metabolic cardiovascular risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The main aim of this study is to describe the differences in the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in individuals with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors or a previous history of vascular diseases (WCVRF) compared to healthy individuals (free of risk factors and previous history of vascular diseases; FCVRF) in a general Mediterranean population. The secondary aim is to describe the proportion of CAVI≥9 depending on the cardiovascular risk category in both CVRF groups by sex.

METHODS

The study is a descriptive analysis of 2613 participants randomly selected in the Girona province (Catalonia, Spain).

RESULTS

CAVI mean differences between sexes and age categories in both CVRF groups followed the same pattern, the FCVRF group (men 25.2%; women 14.4%) in turn had a lower prevalence of CAVI≥9 than the WCVRF group (men 57.9%; women 51.8%). The percentage of men and women with CAVI≥9 with low risk was 13.9% and 11.3% in the FCVRF group, and 31.8% and 42.0% in the WCVRF group; with moderate risk, it was 55.8% and 10.0% in the FCVRF group and 60.3% and 49.0% in the WCVRF group.

CONCLUSIONS

In both sexes, FCVRF groups had a lower prevalence of CAVI≥9 as well as lower mean CAVI scores, across all 10 year-age categories from 40 to 69 years, than WCVRF groups. Moreover, CAVI≥9 was frequent in individuals with low and moderate coronary risk in the WCVRF group but also in the FCVRF group. These results suggest that CAVI assessment to detect asymptomatic arteriosclerosis could be a useful tool to improve cardiovascular risk stratification.

Ethnicity and arterial stiffness in children and adolescents from a Brazilian population

BACKGROUND

Increased stiffness of large arteries is an important determinant of cardiovascular disease risk. Higher values of arterial stiffness measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) have been measured in adult African-Americans compared with whites. Studies assessing ethnic differences in cf-PWV among children and adolescents are scarce. This study sought to evaluate the association between ethnicity and cf-PWV in Brazilian children and adolescents.

METHODS

Seven hundred and seventy-one children and adolescents (211 blacks and 560 nonblacks, 11.3 ± 2.7 years) were included. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by cf-PWV. The ethnic classification was obtained by a single interviewer according to general phenotypes such as skin color, hair shape and facial traces.

RESULTS

Blood pressure was similar in blacks and nonblacks across all pubertal stages. Differently, cf-PWV was higher in blacks than nonblacks pubescent (5.9 ± 0.7 vs. 5.6 ± 0.8 m/s, P = 0.001) and postpubescent (6.1 ± 0.7 vs. 5.7 ± 0.7 m/s, P = 0.042), whereas no difference was detected between blacks and nonblacks prepubescent. These analyses were adjusted for sex, age, height, BMI, SBP and heart rate.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that higher cf-PWV values in blacks appear in adolescence and are independent of blood pressure values. Therefore, our data suggest adolescence as the key phase for the appearance of the vascular profile found in adults black individuals.

Free-breathing black-blood CINE fast-spin echo imaging for measuring abdominal aortic wall distensibility: a feasibility study

The paper reports a free-breathing black-blood CINE fast-spin echo (FSE) technique for measuring abdominal aortic wall motion. The free-breathing CINE FSE includes the following MR techniques: (1) variable-density sampling with fast iterative reconstruction; (2) inner-volume imaging; and (3) a blood-suppression preparation pulse. The proposed technique was evaluated in eight healthy subjects. The inner-volume imaging significantly reduced the intraluminal artifacts of respiratory motion (p  =  0.015). The quantitative measurements were a diameter of 16.3  ±  2.8 mm and wall distensibility of 2.0  ±  0.4 mm (12.5  ±  3.4%) and 0.7  ±  0.3 mm (4.1  ±  1.0%) for the anterior and posterior walls, respectively. The cyclic cross-sectional distensibility was 35  ±  15% greater in the systolic phase than in the diastolic phase. In conclusion, we developed a feasible CINE FSE method to measure the motion of the abdominal aortic wall, which will enable clinical scientists to study the elasticity of the abdominal aorta.

Relationship between FEV1 and arterial stiffness in elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent in the elderly, and both COPD and age per se are associated with cardiovascular morbidity.

AIMS

We tested the hypothesis that in elderly COPD patients airflow limitation is associated with arterial stiffness and the relationship, if any, is related to endothelial function and systemic inflammation.

METHODS

We evaluated lung function, augmentation index (AIx), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and asymmetric dymethilarginine (ADMA) levels in 76 subjects (mean age 73.9 years, SD 6.2) attending a geriatric outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

Participants with COPD (N = 41) and controls (N = 35) did not differ in terms of AIx (30 vs 28.2 %, P = 0.30) and FMD (14.2 vs 12.3 %, P = 0.10). Similarly, the two groups did not differ with respect to mean concentrations of inflammation markers (IL-6 and C-reactive protein) and ADMA. Among COPD participants there was an inverse correlation between AIx and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (r = -0.349, P = 0.02). This relationship remained significant after correction for potential confounders, including markers of inflammation and ADMA levels (β = -0.194, P = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

According to the results of this study, among COPD patients, bronchial patency and AIx are inversely related, and the relationship is explained neither by endothelial function nor by systemic inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly COPD people, increased arterial stiffness is related to reduced pulmonary function and it seems worth testing as a potential marker of higher cardiovascular risk.

Twenty-Five-Year Alcohol Consumption Trajectories and Their Association With Arterial Aging: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that arterial stiffness, an important marker of cardiovascular health, is associated with alcohol consumption. However, the role of longer-term consumption patterns in the progression of arterial stiffness over time remains unclear. A longitudinal cohort design was used to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption over 25 years and subsequent changes in arterial stiffness.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data (N=3869; 73% male) were drawn from the Whitehall II cohort study of British civil servants, in which participants completed repeat pulse wave velocity assessments of arterial stiffness across a 4- to 5-year interval. Repeated alcohol intake measurements were used to categorize participants into alcohol consumer types, accounting for longitudinal variability in consumption. Sex-stratified linear mixed-effects modeling was used to investigate whether drinker types differed in their relationship to pulse wave velocity and its progression over time. Males with consistent long-term heavy intake >112 g of ethanol/week had significantly higher baseline pulse wave velocity (b=0.26 m/s; P=0.045) than those who drank consistently moderately (1-112 g of ethanol/week). Male former drinkers showed significantly greater increases in arterial stiffness longitudinally compared to consistently moderate drinkers (b=0.11 m/s; P=0.009). All associations were nonsignificant for females after adjustment for body mass index, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, diabetes mellitus, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates that consistently heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, especially among males, and also provides new insights into the potential impact of changes in drinking levels over time. It discusses the additional insights possible when capturing longitudinal consumption patterns in lieu of reliance on recent intake alone.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02663791.

Controversies in the association of cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness in children and adolescents

The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial compliance in children and adolescents remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess this association with a quantitative approach. A total of 646 healthy children and adolescents (316 females, age 13.9±2.1 years) were cross-sectionally investigated in seven school settings in and around Munich for their cardiorespiratory fitness and demographic, anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters. Surrogates of arterial stiffness, such as pulse wave velocity (PWV), Augmentation Index normalized to a heart rate of 75 (AI@75), and peripheral and central systolic blood pressures were measured in a supine position using the oscillometric Mobil-O-Graph. Cardiopulmonary fitness was measured by 6-min indoor run tests. After correction for age, sex, body weight, body height, heart rate and mean arterial pressure, controversial findings were produced. PWV increased with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (Beta=0.173; P<0.001), which represented an unfavorable relationship, whereas AI@75 declined with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (Beta=-0.106; P=0.025). Therefore, in contrast to PWV, higher cardiorespiratory fitness seems beneficial for AI@75. The third surrogate of arterial stiffness, central systolic blood pressure, showed no association with cardiorespiratory fitness (Beta=0.066; P=0.052). These controversial outcomes remain almost unchanged when the boys and girls were analyzed separately. Different surrogates of arterial stiffness have different relationships with cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents after correcting for multiple confounders. More research is needed in this field to understand the functioning of the juvenile vessels, and measurements and methodological approaches should be reconsidered.

The role of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: where we are and where we need to be

This review assesses the risk assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how non-invasive imaging modalities may improve risk stratification in future. RA is common and patients are at greater risk of CVD than the general population. Cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification is recommended in European guidelines for patients at high and very high CV risk in order to commence preventative therapy. Ideally, such an assessment should be carried out immediately after diagnosis and as part of ongoing long-term patient care in order to improve patient outcomes. The risk profile in RA is different from the general population and is not well estimated using conventional clinical CVD risk algorithms, particularly in patients estimated as intermediate CVD risk. Non-invasive imaging techniques may therefore play an important role in improving risk assessment. However, there are currently very limited prognostic data specific to patients with RA to guide clinicians in risk stratification using these imaging techniques. RA is associated with increased risk of CV mortality, mainly attributable to atherosclerotic disease, though in addition, RA is associated with many other disease processes which further contribute to increased CV mortality. There is reasonable evidence for using carotid ultrasound in patients estimated to be at intermediate risk of CV mortality using clinical CVD risk algorithms. Newer imaging techniques such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance and CT offer the potential to improve risk stratification further; however, longitudinal data with hard CVD outcomes are currently lacking.

The Effects of Hemodynamic Changes on Pulse Wave Velocity in Cardiothoracic Surgical Patients

The effect of blood pressure on pulse wave velocity (PWV) is well established. However, PWV variability with acute hemodynamic changes has not been examined in the clinical setting. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of hemodynamic changes on PWV in patients who undergo cardiothoracic surgery. Using data from 25 patients, we determined blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity-time integral. By superimposing the radial arterial waveform on the continuous wave Doppler waveform of the LVOT, obtained by transesophageal echo, we were able to determine pulse transit time and to calculate PWV, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Increases in BP, HR, and SVR were associated with higher values for PWV. In contrast increases in SV were associated with decreases in PWV. Changes in CO were not significantly associated with PWV.

The Acute Impact of Different Types of Aerobic Exercise on Arterial Wave Reflections and Inflammation

Objectives: Whilst physical activity is linked to cardiovascular health, it has lately been recognized that different types of exercise exert diverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (CAE) and high-intensity interval aerobic exercise (hIAE) on arterial function and inflammation. Methods: Twenty healthy men (mean age 22.6 ± 3.3 years) were recruited in this crossover study. Each of the 20 volunteers participated in two separate sessions (hIAE and CAE). The augmentation index (AIx) of aortic pressure waveforms and serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) were measured before and after each exercise session. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline hemodynamic and inflammatory measurements before CAE and hIAE. Compared to baseline, AIx was significantly improved after CAE (p = 0.04), while there was no significant change after hIAE (p = 0.65). Serum levels of IL-17 were significantly elevated after CAE (p = 0.042), while hIAE had no significant effect on IL-17 levels (p = 0.47). Interestingly, there was an inverse association between the elevation of IL-17 levels and the AIx improvement after CAE (p = 0.05). Conclusion: These findings provide additional evidence concerning the cardiovascular effects of different types of exercise training through modification of peripheral hemodynamics and the inflammatory process.

Decreased circulating neopterin is associated with increased arterial elasticity: a beneficial role of periodontal treatment

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on arterial elasticity and circulating neopterin in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis in a Chinese population.

METHODS

One hundred and eight patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were eligible to take part in the study and were randomized into two groups. The treatment group received intensive periodontal treatment, while the control group received control periodontal treatment. All parameters, including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle brachial index (ABI), serum neopterin (NP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were evaluated before treatment and 1 month after treatment.

RESULTS

The parameters including NP, hs-CRP, IL-6 and baPWV decreased significantly after 1 month in the treatment group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons) but not in the control group (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change of ABI between the two groups (p = 0.231). A positive correlation was found between the decreased circulating NP and increased arterial elasticity in the treatment group (r = 0.947, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates for the first time that the fall in circulating NP induced by periodontal treatment contributes to increased arterial elasticity in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis.

Study to Predict Vascular Dysfunctions in High Risk Young Adults- An Immediate Non-Invasive Investigation to Prevent Early Vascular Ageing

INTRODUCTION

Normal vascular is associated with gradual change of vascular structure and function, resulting in increased arterial stiffening and decreased arterial compliance. Arterial stiffness is a marker of vascular ageing and a predictor of cardiovascular events. Premature or early vascular ageing is measured by pulse wave velocity or the arterial augmentation index based on pulse wave analysis.

AIM

To study the predictor of vascular dysfunctions in high risk young adult offsprings of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertensive parents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analytical cross-sectional studies were carried out in 90 subjects (45 males and 45 females), aged 18-25 years. They were divided into three groups based on their family history, known case of type 2 DM or hypertension in their parents. Group 1- control, Group 2- DM, Group 3-Hypertensive. In all subjects, anthropometrical data, blood pressure and peripheral pulse wave velocity were measured. One-way ANOVA was applied to determine the predictor factors of pulse wave velocity within and between groups. The following parameters were included in these analyses: age, gender, body mass index, hip waist index, heart rate, blood pressure and pulse wave velocity.

RESULTS

A post-test analysis revealed that peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV), early part of systolic phase (P1) was increased significantly than later part systolic phase (P2), p-value in both diabetic and hypertensive groups were compared with control group. (p≤0.001, ANOVA) Augmentation index (P2/P1) was also increased significantly in both diabetic and hypertensive groups than control group (p≤0.001, ANOVA).

CONCLUSION

The findings of present study suggest that, although related, peripheral augmentation index AIx and PWV provide early identification of high risk groups. Implication of life style modification is the first intervention to consider in adults followed by drug therapy to control risk factors. Specifically, AIx might provide a more sensitive marker of arterial aging in younger individuals.

Non-dipping blood pressure patterns and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with Behcet's disease

Behcet's disease is a multisystemic vasculitis involving veins and arteries of various sizes. Non-dipping status, augmentation index and pulse wave velocity are important determinants of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We investigated the non-dipping status and arterial stiffness in patients with Behcet's disease. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the vascular parameters of 96 patients with Behcet's disease (53% female) and 60 age- and sex-matched control subjects. The non-dipping status and arterial distensibility were assessed using a Mobil-O-Graph Arteriograph, an automatic oscillometric device. In total, 65.6% of 96 patients were systolic non-dippers, and 34.4% exhibited high augmentation indices. Ten percent of the control subjects were systolic non-dippers, and 11.7% exhibited high augmentation indices. Nocturnal decreases in systolic blood pressure correlated with central systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, as well as nocturnal decreases in diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, non-dipper patients with Behcet's disease exhibited higher nocturnal cardiac outputs than did dipper patients with Behcet's disease. Augmentation index correlated negatively with C-reactive protein and correlated positively with both 24 h and nocturnal peripheral resistance, as well as 24 h pulse wave velocity. The patients with high augmentation indices exhibited lower creatinine clearance, as well as lower nocturnal cardiac outputs, higher 24 h peripheral resistance and higher 24 h pulse wave velocities. Non-dipping status and arterial stiffness may exacerbate the harmful cardiovascular effects of the other. In addition to conventional risk factors, non-dipping status and arterial stiffness should be examined during the follow-up evaluations of patients with Behcet's disease.

Comprehensive assessment of vascular health in patients; towards endothelium-guided therapy

Endothelial function has diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance. A number of non-invasive techniques were introduced for its assessment, including flow-mediated dilation (FMD), finger plethysmography (RH-PAT) and digital thermal monitoring (DTM). All these methods can be performed simultaneously. In addition, various methods for measuring arterial wall stiffness are available such as: pulse wave analysis (PWA), pulse wave velocity (PWV), pulse contour analysis (PCA) and carotid wall distensibility coefficient (DC). Finally, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and ankle brachial index (ABI) are used as surrogate read-outs of atherosclerosis. Here, we briefly describe the advantages, limitations and interrelationships of various methods used for the assessment of endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and present the concept of an integrated evaluation of vascular health based on multiple methods. This strategy may be useful to stratify cardiovascular risk and represents a step towards multiparametric assessment of endothelium for effective endothelium-guided therapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Increased pulse wave velocity and augmentation index after isometric handgrip exercise in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which is expected to be increased due to a generalized atherosclerotic process of human body, may be more evident after the acute increase of blood pressure (BP) or peripheral vascular resistance. Isometric handgrip exercise is a simple and easily applicable method to achieve this goal. We investigated the changes of hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness indexes after handgrip exercise in patients with CAD.

METHODS

Forty-two subjects, who underwent coronary angiography (CAG), were enrolled. After CAG, baseline arterial waveforms were traced at the aortic root and external iliac artery using right coronary catheters. Arterial waveforms were recorded at 1, 2, and 3 min in the aortic root and at 3 min in the external iliac artery after isometric handgrip exercise at 30% ~ 40% of the maximal handgrip power. Augmentation pressure (AP) and augmentation index (AIx) were measured at aortic pressure waveforms. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was calculated using the ECG-gated time difference of the upstroke of arterial waveforms and the distance between the aortic root and the external iliac artery.

RESULTS

Thirty patients had CAD (CAD group), and others showed no significant coronary stenosis (non-CAD group). Baseline hemodynamic parameters including AIx and PWV were not different between both groups. After isometric handgrip exercise, central systolic blood pressure (BP), central diastolic BP, central pulse pressure, peripheral systolic BP, and peripheral pulse pressure were increased in all patients. AIx inclined significantly from 1 min after exercise only in patients with CAD (before 17.7% ± 9.7% vs. 3 min after exercise 22.3% ± 10.7%, p < 0.001). PWV also increased significantly after exercise only in patients with CAD (before 10.03 ± 1.99 m/s vs. 3 min after 11.09 ± 2.45 m/s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness indexes at rest were not different between patients with and without CAD. After isometric handgrip exercise, increased arterial stiffness became evident only in patients with CAD.