Relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index and subclinical target organ damage in hypertensive patients

The relationship between renal renal resistive index and hypertensive end-organ damage

Background/Aim: The prevalence of hypertension increases with age and one out of every three adults over the age of 40 has hypertension. Hypertensive end-organ damage is an important predictive factor for patient morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the role of the renal resistive index (RI) in predicting retinopathy and nephropathy in hypertensive patients. Methods: This study was cross-sectional in design. Sixty hypertensive patients who were followed in Samsun Research and Training Hospital Internal Medicine outpatient clinic were included in the study. In all patients, a routine ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity, anterior segment examination, and dilated ocular fundus examination, was performed. Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (mg/g) was measured in spot urine samples, and a level ≥30 mg/g was accepted as the presence of proteinuria. Renal Doppler ultrasonography was performed using Esaote mylab x 9 model sonography device vovex probe (C1-8) 3.5 MHz. RI values were measured using Xflow Doppler at the level of interlobular or arcuate arteries of both kidneys. First, the patients were divided into two groups (with or without retinopathy). The patients who had retinopathy were then divided into two groups according to their retinopathy degree. Hypertensive retinopathy was graded according to the Scheie classification. The patients were also divided into two groups according to their proteinuria status (with or without proteinuria). Results: The mean of renal RI was 0.59 (0.04) in patients without retinopathy (n=15), 0.63 (0.05) in patients with grade 1 hypertensive retinopathy (n=29), and 0.66 (0.04) in patients with grade 2 hypertensive retinopathy (n=15). The difference between groups was statistically significant (overall P=0.001). It has been shown that proteinuria develops more frequently in cases in which the renal value is above 0.7, and these results were statistically significant (P=0.034).  Conclusion: This study indicates that renal RI increase is a valuable tool for estimating retinopathy and proteinuria in hypertensive patients.

Effects of Exercise Mode on Arterial Stiffness in Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease Patients: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Exercise program has been recommended for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. However, whether exercise promotes reduction in arterial stiffness in these patients, who exhibit high arterial stiffness, is poor known.

AIM

To analyze the effects of a single session of resistance, walking, and combined exercises on arterial stiffness in symptomatic PAD patients and to describe individual responses and identify clinical predictors of arterial stiffness responses after exercises.

METHODS

Twelve patients with symptomatic PAD underwent four experimental sessions in random order: walking exercise (W - 10 bouts of 2-min walking at the speed corresponding to the onset of claudication pain with 2-min interval among sets), resistance exercise (R - 2 sets of 10 reps in eight resistance exercises), combined exercise (CO - 1 set of 10 reps in eight resistance exercises + 5 bouts of 2-min walking with 2-min interval between) and control session (C - resting in exercise room). Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was obtained during ambulatory period after each session. Body mass index, ankle brachial index, sex and age also were evaluated.

RESULTS

AASI was lower in R compared to other sessions (R - 0.52 ± 0.05; W - 0.59 ± 0.05; CO - 0.64 ± 0.05; C - 0.60 ± 0.05, P < 0.001), with 75% of patients presenting lower AASI after R session. No difference was found between W, CO and C sessions (P> 0.05). Ankle brachial index was negatively correlated with R and W sessions net effect (r = -0.618 and -0.750, respectively; P< 0.05 for both), no correlation was found with CO.

CONCLUSION

A single bout of resistance exercise acutely reduces arterial stiffness in symptomatic PAD, while walking and combined exercise did not alter this variable. This response is more likely to occur in individuals with less severe disease.

A cross-sectional study of the ambulatory central artery stiffness index in patients with hypertension

The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the ambulatory central artery stiffness index (AcASI) and its related factors. The association between AcASI and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and other factors related to atherosclerosis were explored.Patients with primary hypertension were enrolled into this study. Ambulatory central artery blood pressure (CABP) and ambulatory brachial artery blood pressure (BABP) were assessed using a Mobil-O-Graph NG hemomanometer, whereas AcASI and the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) were determined. LVMI was assessed by echocardiography.A total of 136 patients with primary hypertension were enrolled from May 2011 to January 2013 in Beijing Hospital. AcASI was significantly associated with AASI (r = 0.879, P < .001). AcASI was significantly lower than AASI (0.422 ± 0.302 vs 0.482 ± 0.270; P < .001). AcASI increased with age, ambulatory brachial mean blood pressure (MBP), and fasting glucose. AcASI was significantly associated with office pulse pressure (PP), ambulatory brachial PP, ambulatory central PP, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). AcASI, but not AASI, was significantly associated with LVMI. Receiver operator characteristic analysis indicated that AcASI and AASI could may be a predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Multiple regression analysis indicated that AcASI, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension course were associated with LVMI, but AASI was not.AcASI, which is obtained from ambulatory CABP monitoring, could be a new marker for the evaluation of atherosclerosis. AcASI may be stronger associated with LVH than AASI.

Evolving spectrum of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes remains an important health issue as more patients with chronic and uncontrolled diabetes develop diabetic nephropathy (DN), which classically presents with proteinuria followed by a progressive decrease in renal function. However, an increasing proportion of DN patients have a decline in kidney function and vascular complications without proteinuria, known as non-proteinuric DN (NP-DN). Despite the increased incidence of NP-DN, few clinical or experimental studies have thoroughly investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms and targeted treatment for this form of DN. In this review, we will examine the differences between conventional DN and NP-DN and consider potential pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic markers, and treatment for both DN and NP-DN. The investigation of the pathophysiology of NP-DN should provide additional insight into the cardiovascular factors influencing renal function and disease and provide novel treatments for the vascular complications seen in diabetic patients.

Validity of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in daily primary healthcare practice in France

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) validity in daily primary healthcare practice in France.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An observational, longitudinal, prospective, multicenter study was performed in the Burgundy region, France. Participants were patients who had been prescribed ABPM by their general practitioner (GP), whatever its indication. ABPM was performed by employees of the healthcare providers group, which is publicly funded. The validity of ABPM was established according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria. GPs interpretation of the ABPM results was collected and compared with the ESC recommendations. Determinants of ABPM validity were identified using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among the 531 patients included, 357 (67.23%) had a valid ABPM measurement. Multivariate analyses showed that ABPM validity was associated with nonmanual worker status [odds ratio (OR)=1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-1.23], participant's age of at least 65 years (OR=0.88; 95% CI=0.81-0.95) and participant's BMI above 30 kg/m (OR=0.90; 95% CI=0.81-0.99). GPs' interpretation of ABPM results was consistent with the ESC recommendation in 508 (95.67%) cases.

CONCLUSION

ABPM is feasible in daily primary healthcare practice in the studied condition, that is to say relying on trained employees. GPs should be careful when prescribing ABPM to patients aged 65 years and older, to those with BMI over 30 or to manual workers.

The Use of the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index in Patients Suspected of Secondary Hypertension

The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) is a marker of arterial stiffness and is derived from ambulatory 24-h blood pressure registration. We studied whether the AASI could be used as a predictive factor for the presence of renal artery stenosis (RAS) in patients with a suspicion of secondary hypertension and as such as a diagnostic tool for RAS. We included 169 patients with difficult-to-treat hypertension. They all underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registration, imaging of the renal arteries, and cardiovascular risk measurement, including smoking, history, biometrics, blood pressure, renal function, lipids, and glucose metabolism. Performing univariate and multivariate analyses, we investigated if AASI and the other cardiovascular risk factors were related to the presence of RAS. Of the 169 patients (49% women), 31% had RAS. The mean AASI was 0.44 (0.16). The presence of RAS showed no significant correlation with AASI (r = 0.14, P = 0.06). Age (r = 0.19, P = 0.01), hypercholesterolemia (r = 0.26, P = 0.001), history of CVD (r = 0.22, P = 0.004), and creatinine clearance (r = -0.34, P < 0.001) all demonstrated a correlation with RAS. Although AASI is higher in patients with RAS, AASI does not independently predict the presence of RAS in hypertensive subjects.

Ambulatory arterial stiffness index is associated with impaired left atrial mechanical functions in hypertensive diabetic patients: A speckle tracking study

Objective:

The ambulatory arterial stiffness index has been proposed as an indicator of arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased ambulatory arterial stiffness index might be related with impaired left atrial function in hypertensive diabetic patients with no previous history of cardiovascular disease.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria included office systolic BP> 130 mm Hg or diastolic BP> 80 mm Hg and absence of secondary causes of HT, whereas exclusion criteria LV ejection fraction <50%, history of significant coronary artery disease, chronic renal failure, atrial fibrillation/flutter, second or third-degree atrioventricular block, moderate to severe valvular heart disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, non-dipper hypertensive pattern and sleep apnea. The study was composed of 121 hypertensive diabetic patients. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography were performed in each patient. The relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index and left atrial functions was analyzed. AASI was calculated as 1 minus the regression slope of diastolic BP plotted against systolic BP obtained through individual 24-h ABPM.

Results:

The univariate analysis showed that ambulatory arterial stiffness index was positively correlated with age (r=:0.287, p=:0.001), hypertension duration (r=:0.388, p<0.001), fasting plasma glucose (r=:0.224, p=:0.014), HbA1c (r=:0.206, p=:0.023), LDL cholesterol (r=:0.254, p=:0.005), and also overall pulse pressure (r=:0.195, p=:0.002), office-pulse pressure (r=:0.188, p=:0.039), carotid intima-media thickness (r=:0.198, p=:0.029), E/E’ (r=:0.248, p=:0.006), and left atrial volume index (r=:0.237, p=:0.009). Moreover, ambulatory arterial stiffness index was negatively correlated with eGFR (r=:(-) 0.242, p=:0.008), peak left atrial strain during ventricular systole [S-LAs (r=:(-) 0.654, p<0.001)], peak left atrial strain at early diastole [S-LAe (r=:(-)0.215, p=:0.018)], and peak left atrial strain rate during ventricular systole [SR-LAs (r=:(-) 0.607, p<0.001)]. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that ambulatory arterial stiffness index was independently associated with peak left atrial strain rate during ventricular systole (SR-LAs) (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

In hypertensive diabetic patients, increased ambulatory arterial stiffness index is associated with impaired left atrial functions, independent of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Ambulatory arterial stiffness index correlates with ambulatory pulse pressure but not dipping status in patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and other parameters derived from ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, including dipping status, in patients with grade 1/grade 2 hypertension.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included baseline data from Chinese outpatients enrolled into a previous study, who had clinic diastolic BP of 90-109 mmHg and systolic BP <180 mmHg, had undergone 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and routine blood chemistry investigations, and had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data.

RESULTS

Out of 120 patients screened, 87 were included. No significant difference in 24-h AASI was found between dippers and nondippers. The 24-h AASI significantly correlated with age, systolic BP and pulse pressure, and inversely correlated with 24-h diastolic BP variation and eGFR. In dippers and nondippers, AASI correlated with daytime pulse pressure, daytime diastolic BP variation and eGFR; in nondippers, AASI also correlated with 24-h systolic BP and 24-h pulse pressure. The 24-h AASI was significantly associated with 24-h pulse pressure and daytime pulse pressure.

CONCLUSION

In patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension, AASI shows a significant correlation with ambulatory pulse pressure.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate is associated with both arterial stiffness and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients

Even a slight decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which are particularly common in end-stage renal disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between GFR with arterial stiffness, left ventricle mass (LVM) and NT-proBNP in hypertensive subjects with normal to mildly impaired renal function. The study population consisted of 285 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients (mean age; 49.9 ± 11.8 years). GFR was estimated (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), which reflects arterial stiffness, were calculated using the single-point method via the Mobil-O-Graph® ARCsolver algorithm. LVM was obtained by echocardiography. Plasma NT-proBNP was measured by electrochemiluminescence. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median eGFR value (eGFRlow group <101 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and eGFRhigh group ≥ 101 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). LVM and NT-proBNP values were higher in eGFRlow group compared with eGFRhigh group (p<0.05). Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index values were higher in eGFRlow group compared with eGFRhigh group (p<0.05, for all). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that eGFR was independently associated with PWV (β=-0.422, p<0.001) and NT-proBNP (β=-0.404, p<0.001). Present study showed that eGFR was independently associated with PWV and NT-proBNP values. Importantly, these findings may explain, in part, the increase in cardiovascular risk in with slightly impaired renal function.

Relationship between electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy criteria and vascular structure and function parameters in hypertensive patients

The objective of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) criterion that best correlated with vascular structure and function parameters in hypertensive patients. A cross-sectional study involving 347 hypertensive patients was performed. The mean age of the subjects was 54.9±11.8 years, and 61% were male. Electrocardiography was used to detect LVH based on the evaluation of 10 criteria, and we defined the voltage-duration product (VDP) complex criterion. The vascular structure was evaluated according to carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and vascular function was evaluated according to pulse wave velocity (PWV), the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI), the home arterial stiffness index, and the peripheral (PAIx) and central (CAIx) augmentation indices. LVH according to at least some electrocardiographic criteria was recorded in 29.10% of the patients (34.10% of females; 25.90% of males). The vascular structure and function parameters showed higher values in the hypertensive patients with LVH. The criterion most closely correlated with C-IMT was Lewis-VDP (r=0.257); with PWV and AASI, the criterion was the Framingham-adjusted Cornell voltage (r=0.228 and r=0.195, respectively); and with CAIx and PAIx, the criterion was Novacode (r=0.226 and r=0.277, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the association of the vascular structure and function parameters, the VDP complex (multiple linear regression) and the presence of LVH (logistic regression) disappeared after adjusting for age, sex and antihypertensive drugs. The relationship between the electrocardiographic criteria used to detect LVH in hypertensive patients and the vascular structure and function parameters were fundamentally conditioned by age and antihypertensive drug treatment.

Symmetric ambulatory arterial stiffness index and 24-h pulse pressure in HIV infection: results of a nationwide cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

HIV infection has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) is a more accurate and prognostically relevant measure of an individual's BP load than office BP, and the ambulatory BP-derived ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and symmetric AASI (s-AASI) are established cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

In the setting of the HIV and HYpertension (HIV-HY) study, an Italian nationwide survey on high BP in HIV infection, 100 HIV-infected patients with high-normal BP or untreated hypertension (72% men, age 48 ± 10 years, BP 142/91 ± 12/7 mmHg) and 325 HIV-negative individuals with comparable age, sex distribution, and office BP (68% men, age 48 ± 10 years, BP 141/90 ± 11/8 mmHg) underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring.

RESULTS

Despite having similar office BP, HIV-infected individuals had higher 24-h SBP (130.6 ± 14 vs. 126.4 ± 10 mmHg) and pulse pressure (49.1 ± 9 vs. 45.9 ± 7 mmHg, both P < 0.001), and a lower day-night reduction of mean arterial pressure (14.3 ± 9 vs. 16.3 ± 7%, P = 0.025). Both s-AASI and AASI were significantly higher in HIV patients (s-AASI, 0.22 ± 0.18 vs. 0.11 ± 0.15; AASI, 0.46 ± 0.22 vs. 0.29 ± 0.17; both P <0.001). In a multivariate regression, s-AASI was independently predicted by HIV infection (β = 0.252, P <0.001), age, female sex, and 24-h SBP. In HIV patients, s-AASI had an inverse relation with CD4 cell count (Spearman's ρ -0.24, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with HIV infection and borderline or definite hypertension have higher symmetric AASI and 24-h systolic and pulse pressures than HIV-uninfected controls matched by office BP. High ambulatory BP may play a role in the HIV-related increase in cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular risk assessment in children following kidney transplantation

CV diseases are the leading cause of death among patients with ESRD. RTX decreases the CV risk; however, it still remains definitely higher than that of the general population. Large multicenter and longitudinal studies are difficult to perform and hard end-points of CV events are usually missing among pediatric population. Thus, appropriate estimation of CV risk is of crucial importance to define the potential hazards and to evaluate the effect of treatments aimed to reduce the risk. A number of validated non-invasive methods are available to assess the extent of CV damage in adults, such as calcification scores, cIMT, aPWV, 24-h ABPM, AASI, and HRV; however, they need adaptation, standardization, and validation in pediatric studies. cIMT and PWV are the most promising methods, as pediatric normative values are already present. The up-to-date treatment of ESRD aims not only to save life, but to offer the patient a life expectancy approaching that of the healthy population and to ensure a reasonable quality of life.

Ambulatory arterial stiffness index is higher in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease

Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) is a parameter obtained from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) that correlates with clinical endpoints. The aim of this study was to compare AASI in nondiabetic hypertensive patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). Subjects with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH, n = 30) with normal renal function, aged 40 to 75 years, were compared to hypertensive patients with CKD (n = 30) presenting estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min by MDRD formula. ABPM was carried out in all patients. In CKD group, eGFR was 35.3 ± 2.8 ml/min. The mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) was similar in both groups. AASI was significantly higher in CKD group (0.45 ± 0.03 versus 0.37 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), positively correlated to age (r = 0.38, P < 0.01) and pulse pressure (r = 0.43, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated to nocturnal BP fall (r = -0.28, P = 0.03). These findings indicate the presence of stiffer vessels in CKD hypertensive patients.

Arterial stiffness and renal impairment in non-proteinuric type 2 diabetic patients

Aims/Introduction:  Although increases in urinary protein excretion generally precede a decline in the glomerular filtration rate, non-proteinuric renal impairment is common in patients with diabetes. In the present study, we examined the relationship between indices of arterial stiffness and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients without proteinuria.

METHODS

  Blood sampling, 24-h urine collection, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed in type 2 diabetic patients without overt proteinuria. The ambulatory arterial stiffness index was calculated as (1 - the regression slope of diastolic/systolic ambulatory blood pressure). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)was calculated using the simplified prediction equation proposed by the Japanese Society of Nephrology.

RESULTS

  Of 213 non-proteinuric patients with type 2 diabetes, 60 (28.2%) had a reduced eGFR (<60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)). Although the urinary albumin excretion rate was significantly correlated with the eGFR, 34 of 152 patients with normoalbuminuria (22.4%) had a reduced eGFR. The eGFR was significantly and negatively correlated with the ambulatory arterial stiffness index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, but not with 24-h pulse pressure. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age and increased urinary albumin excretion were independently associated with decreased eGFR. In addition, the ambulatory arterial stiffness index, but not brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, were found to be independently and significantly associated with eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

  Ambulatory arterial stiffness index is a marker for increased risk of renal failure in non-proteinuric patients with type 2 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040-1124.2011.00146.x, 2012).

Ambulatory arterial stiffness indices and target organ damage in hypertension

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed to evaluate which arterial stiffness parameter - AASI or the home arterial stiffness index (HASI) - correlates best with vascular, cardiac and renal damage in hypertensive individuals.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 258 hypertensive patients. AASI and HASI were defined as the 1-regression slope of diastolic over systolic blood pressure readings obtained from 24-hour recordings and home blood pressure over 6 days. Renal damage was evaluated by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and microalbuminuria; vascular damage by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ankle/brachial index (ABI); and left ventricular hypertrophy by the Cornell voltage-duration product (VDP) and the Novacode index.

RESULTS

AASI and HASI were not correlated with microalbuminuria, however AASI and HASI- blood pressure variability ratio (BPVR) showed negative correlation with GRF. The Cornell PDV was positively correlated with AASI- BPVR-Sleep (r = 0.15, p < 0.05) and the left ventricular mass index with HASI-BPVR (r = 0.19, p < 0.01). Carotid IMT and PWV were positively correlated with all the parameters except the HASI, while ABI was negatively correlated with AASI and Awake-AASI. After adjusting for age, gender and 24 hours heart rate, statistical significance remains of the IMT with AASI, Awake AASI and AASI-BPVR. PWV with the AASI, Awake-AASI and Sleep-AASI. ABI with AASI and Awake-AASI. Odd Ratio to presence target organ damage was for AASI: 10.47(IC95% 1.29 to 65.34), Awake-AASI: 8.85(IC95% 1.10 to 71.04), Sleep-AASI: 2.19(IC95% 1.10 to 4.38) and AASI-BPVR-night: 4.09 (IC95% 1.12 to 14.92).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for age, gender and 24-hour heart, the variables that best associated with the variability of IMT, PWV and ABI were AASI and Awake-AASI, and with GFR was HASI-BPVR.

Prognostic significance of home arterial stiffness index derived from self-measurement of blood pressure: the Ohasama Study

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness is a stroke risk factor. The home arterial stiffness index (HASI) can be calculated from self-measured blood pressure using the same formula as the calculation of ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI).

METHODS

In 2,377 inhabitants (baseline age, 35-96 years) without a history of stroke, home blood pressure was measured once every morning for 26 days (median). HASI was defined as 1 minus the regression slope of diastolic over systolic on home blood pressure in individual subjects. The standardized hazard ratio (HR) of HASI was computed for cerebral infarction, while adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, day-by-day variability of systolic blood pressure, smoking and drinking habits, serum total cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, and antihypertensive treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 191 (8.0%) cerebral infarctions and 75 (3.2%) hemorrhagic strokes occurred over a median of 13.8 years. Mean ± s.d. of HASI was 0.60 ± 0.23 units. An increase in HASI of 1 s.d. was associated with an increased HR for cerebral infarction in all subjects (1.19, P = 0.034), men (1.37, P = 0.002), and normotensive subjects (1.46, P = 0.006), but not in women or hypertensive patients (P > 0.56). For hemorrhagic stroke, HASI was not prognostic.

CONCLUSIONS

HASI predicted cerebral infarction independent of pulse pressure and other risk factors in men and normotensive subjects. One important role of home blood pressure measurement is early recognition of onset of hypertension in normotensive subjects who are at risk of developing hypertension. HASI provides additional benefits for such subjects.

Relationships of night/day heart rate ratio with carotid intima media thickness and markers of arterial stiffness

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between office and ambulatory heart rate, and its variability, and arterial stiffness in patients with primary arterial hypertension.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary care setting, with the inclusion of 356 hypertensive patients aged 30-80 years. Office and ambulatory blood pressure, heart rate, night/day heart rate ratio and the corresponding standard deviations, were determined. Arterial stiffness was assessed according to carotid intima media thickness, pulse wave velocity, the central and peripheral augmentation index, and the ambulatory arterial stiffness index.

RESULTS

Carotid intima media thickness, central and peripheral augmentation index, and ambulatory arterial stiffness index were negatively correlated to office and ambulatory heart rate and its standard deviation, and positively correlated to the night/day heart rate ratio. Pulse wave velocity showed a negative correlation to 24 h standard deviation heart rate and a positive correlation to nocturnal heart rate and the night/day heart rate ratio. For each 10 bpm increment in 24 h heart rate, the pulse wave velocity increased 0.42 m/s (95%CI: 0.23-0.60) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index decreased 0.01 (95%CI: 0.01-0.02); in the case of office heart rate, the peripheral augmentation index decreased 4.74 (95%CI: 3.15-6.33) and central augmentation index decreased 3.52 (95%CI: 2.43-4.30), while for 24 h standard deviation heart rate, carotid intima media thickness decreased 0.03 mm (95%CI: 0.01-0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Office and ambulatory heart rate, and the corresponding standard deviations, are inversely associated to the arterial stiffness markers, with the exception of pulse wave velocity, where a direct correlation is observed. A greater increase in night/day ratio, i.e., a lesser decrease in nocturnal heart rate, is associated to increased arterial stiffness.

Relationship between intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery and arterial stiffness in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes: a case-series report

BACKGROUND

We examined the relationship between the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) and arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and the augmentation index (AIx) in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A case-series study was made in 366 patients (105 diabetics and 261-non-diabetics). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed on a day of standard activity with the SpaceLabs 90207 system. AASI was calculated as "1-slope" from the within-person regression of diastolic-on-systolic ambulatory blood pressure readings. PWV and AIx were measured with the SphygmoCor system, and a Sonosite Micromax ultrasound unit was used for automatic measurements of CCA-IMT.

RESULTS

PWV, AASI and CCA-IMT were found to be greater in diabetic patients, while no differences in AIx were observed between the two groups. CCA-IMT was independently correlated to the three measures of arterial stiffness in both groups. We found an increase in CCA-IMT of 0.40, 0.24 and 0.36 mm in diabetics, and of 0.48, 0.17 and 0.55 mm in non-diabetics for each unit increase in AASI, AIx and PWV. The variability of CCA-IMT was explained mainly by AASI, AIx and gender in diabetic patients, and by age, gender, AASI and PWV in non-diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CCA-IMT showed a positive correlation to PWV, AASI and AIx in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes. However, when adjusting for age, gender and heart rate, the association to PWV was lost in diabetic patients, in the same way as the association to Alx in non-diabetic patients. The present study demonstrates that the three measures taken to assess arterial stiffness in clinical practice are not interchangeable, nor do they behave equally in all subjects.

Association of hemoglobin with ambulatory arterial stiffness index in untreated essential hypertensive patients without anemia

OBJECTIVE

Increased hemoglobin (Hb) levels are known to be associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality in hypertensive patients, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. However, an increased Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI), the surrogate maker of arterial stiffness, has been proven to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. This pilot study evaluated the association between Hb and AASI in untreated essential hypertensive patients without anemia.

METHODS

A total of 566 untreated essential hypertensive patients without anemia were divided into Normal-Hb and High-Hb groups according to their Hb levels. The AASI and its symmetric calculation (Sym_AASI) were derived from 24h-Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (24h-ABPM). A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between Hb and AASI, Sym_AASI.

RESULTS

High-Hb group (n=127) showed higher AASI and Sym_AASI (0.51±0.11 vs 0.43±0.12, p<0.001; 0.33±0.10 vs 0.27±0.08, p<0.001) compared to Normal-Hb group (n=439). Univariate correlation analysis showed that Hb levels were positively related to AASI and Sym_AASI values (r=0.459, p<0.001; r=0.353, p<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, current smoker, eGFR, uric acid, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, 24h-SBP, 24h-PP and dipper status, Hb persisted as a independent determinant of AASI and Sym_AASI (β=0.402, p<0.001 and β=0.298, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

High hemoglobin seems be to associated with increased AASI in untreated essential hypertensive patients without anemia.