Pulse wave velocity reference values in 3,160 adults referred to a hypertension clinic for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Pulse Wave Velocity of 8.2 m/s as a Threshold Associated with Cardiovascular Target Organ Damage Presence

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have established normal and reference values for Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). However, the PWV value that has the strongest association with cardiovascular biomarkers remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the PWV value more likely to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), increased intima-media thickness (IMT), and presence of carotid plaques in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 119 patients. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed for each cardiovascular biomarker. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

According to the ROC curve analysis, the PWV values were 8.1 m/s, 8.2 m/s, and 8.7 for the LVH, IMT, and presence of carotid plaques, respectively. A PWV value of 8.2 m/s was identified as the best parameter to determine the three TOD biomarkers. PWV above 8.2 m/s was associated with increased CIMT (p = 0.004) and the presence of carotid plaques (p = 0.003) and LVH (p<0.001). PWV above 8.2 showed greater sensitivity for increased CIMT (AUC = 0.678, sensitivity = 62.2), LVH (AUC = 0.717, sensitivity = 87.2), and the presence of plaques (AUC = 0.649, sensitivity = 74.51) in the ROC curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

The PWV value 8.2 m/s was more sensitive in early identifying the existence of cardiovascular biomarkers of TOD.

Prediabetes, Non-Dipping Profile and Hypertension—A Recipe for Increased Arterial Stiffness

Background: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a known predictor of target organ damage, cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. The aim of this study was to compare the PWV values in subjects with prediabetes, a non-dipper profile and arterial hypertension with their values in healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 301 subjects, aged 40–70 years, without diabetes mellitus were included in this cross-sectional study (150 with prediabetes). They underwent a 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Subjects were divided into three hypertension groups (A = healthy, B = controlled hypertension, C = uncontrolled hypertension). Dipping status was determined according to ABPM results, and PWV was measured by an oscillometric device. Prediabetes was defined as having 2 separate fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurements between 5.6 and 6.9 mmol/L. Results: The highest PWV values were found in group C (9.60 ± 1.34 vs. 8.46 ± 1.01 in group B vs. 7.79 ± 1.10 in group A; p < 0.001), in subjects with prediabetes (8.98 ± 1.31 m/s vs. 8.26 ± 1.22 m/s; p < 0.001) and in prediabetic non-dippers among age groups (p = 0.05). In the multivariate regression model age, blood pressure, nocturnal indices and FPG were shown as independent predictors of PWV values. Conclusion: Significantly higher PWV values were found in subjects with prediabetes and non-dipping profiles in all three examined hypertension groups.

Radial artery pulse wave velocity: a new characterization technique and the instabilities associated with the respiratory phase and breath-holding

Objective. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a key diagnostic parameter of the cardiovascular system's state. However, approaches aimed at PWV characterization often suffer from inevitable drawbacks. Statistical results demonstrating how closely PWV in the radial artery (RA) and the respiration phase correlate, as well as RA PWV evolution during breath-holding (BH), have not yet been presented in the literature. The aims of this study are (a) to propose a simple robust technique for measuring RA PWV, (b) to reveal the phase relation between the RA PWV and spontaneous breathing, and (c) to disclose the influence of BH on the RA PWV.Approach.The high-resolution remote breathing monitoring method Sorption-Enhanced Infrared Thermography (SEIRT) and the new technique aimed at measuring RA PWV described in this paper were used synchronously, and their measurement data were processed simultaneously.Main results. Spontaneous breathing leaves a synchronous 'trace' on the RA PWV. The close linear correlation of the respiration phase and the phase of concomitant RA PWV changes is statistically confirmed in five tested people (Pearson's r is of the order of 0.5-0.8, P < 0.05). The BH appreciably affects the RA PWV. A phenomenon showing that the RA PWV is not indifferent to hypoxia is observed for the first time.Significance.The proposed technique for RA PWV characterization has high prospects in biomedical diagnostics. The presented pilot study deserves attention in the context of the mutual interplay between respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It may also be useful in cases where peripheral pulse wave propagation helps assess respiratory function.

Portable Device use for Arterial Stiffness Determination as a Control Method at the Recovery Stage of Rehabilitation

Aim: To create a device for PWPV evaluation which would be cheap and could be easily used not only at the inpatient but also at the restorative outpatient and health-resort stages of rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: The clinical examination included 90 people who were randomized into the group of observation (n=75) with patients of AH various degrees. 15 practically healthy persons were involved into the control group. PWPV was measured using a specially designed device according to the generally accepted carotid-femoral technique. Results: Our results showed that the PWPV of healthy persons measured using original device failed to differ statistically from the literature reference values and indicated the correspondence of the measurements we obtained with the data received using traditional apparatus. Out data of original PWPV measurement obtained from examined and treated patients do not differ from the results obtained in wide range of patients aged from 40 to 70 years with the 1st -2nd stages of AH. Conclusions: We described an efficacy of PWPV determination using an original device. The use of the proposed device does not contradict with the generally accepted method of vascular stiffness measuring and studying. The results obtained on it are comparable with the data of the most used stationary device SphygmoCor for these purposes. The prospects of the device using are without the limitations in patients with vascular diseases at the stage of rehabilitation.

Greater adherence to healthy dietary patterns is associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and augmentation index in healthy, young adults

More than two-thirds of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths worldwide are attributable to dietary factors. Blood pressure variability (BPV), endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness are important CVD risk factors. Although studies show a link between consuming a healthy diet and lower BPV and stiffness and improved endothelial function, research in young, healthy adults is scarce. We hypothesized that, in young, healthy adults, diet quality would be inversely associated with BPV and arterial stiffness and positively associated with endothelial function. This cross-sectional study included 56 healthy young adults (34 women/22 men, age 26.7 ± 0.8 years, body mass index 23.4 ± 0.4 kg/m2, blood pressure [BP] 113/69 mmHg). Three-day diet records were used to calculate two Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet scores, the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, and the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) based on the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP data were used to calculate average real variability of systolic and diastolic BP. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation, and arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (AIx). Overall, the HEI-2015 was inversely associated with 24-hour diastolic BP (DBP) and daytime DBP, and the aMED score was inversely associated with AIx. In our exploratory analyses, the Fung DASH score was inversely associated with 24-hour DBP and daytime DBP in women, but not men. These findings suggest that consuming a diet that aligns with the DASH diet, the Mediterranean diet, and/or the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is associated with cardiovascular benefits in healthy, young adults.

Methods to evaluate vascular function: a crucial approach towards predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine

Endothelium, the gatekeeper of our blood vessels, is highly heterogeneous and a crucial physical barrier with the ability to produce vasoactive and protective mediators under physiological conditions. It regulates vascular tone, haemostasis, vascular inflammation, remodelling, and angiogenesis. Several cardio-, reno-, and cerebrovascular diseases begin with the dysfunction of endothelial cells, and more recently, COVID-19 was also associated with endothelial disease highlighting the need to monitor its function towards prevention and reduction of vascular dysfunction. Endothelial cells are an important therapeutic target in predictive, preventive, and personalised (3P) medicine with upmost importance in vascular diseases. The development of novel non-invasive techniques to access endothelial dysfunction for use in combination with existing clinical imaging modalities provides a feasible opportunity to reduce the burden of vascular disease.

This review summarises recent advances in the principles of endothelial function measurements. This article presents an overview of invasive and non-invasive techniques to determine vascular function and their major advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the article describes mechanisms underlying the regulation of vascular function and dysfunction and potential new biomarkers of endothelial damage. Recognising these biomarkers is fundamental towards a shift from reactive to 3P medicine in the vascular field. Identifying vascular dysfunction earlier with non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques adds value to predictive diagnostics and targeted prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary care). In addition, vascular dysfunction is a potential target for treatments tailored to the person.

Parkinson-like early autonomic dysfunction induced by vagal application of DOPAL in rats

AIM

To understand why autonomic failures, a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD), occur earlier than typical motor disorders.

METHODS

Vagal application of DOPAL (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde) to simulate PD-like autonomic dysfunction and understand the connection between PD and cardiovascular dysfunction. Molecular and morphological approaches were employed to test the time-dependent alternation of α-synuclein aggregation and the ultrastructure changes in the heart and nodose (NG)/nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).

RESULTS

Blood pressure (BP) and baroreflex sensitivity of DOPAL-treated rats were significantly reduced accompanied with a time-dependent change in orthostatic BP, consistent with altered echocardiography and cardiomyocyte mitochondrial ultrastructure. Notably, time-dependent and collaborated changes in Mon-/Tri-α-synuclein were paralleled with morphological alternation in the NG and NTS.

CONCLUSION

These all demonstrate that early autonomic dysfunction mediated by vagal application of DOPAL highly suggests the plausible etiology of PD initiated from peripheral, rather than central site. It will provide a scientific basis for the prevention and early diagnosis of PD.

Assessment of left ventricular myocardial work in Turner syndrome patients: insights from the novel non-invasive pressure-strain loop analysis method

Background

Turner syndrome (TS), a relatively rare chromosomal disease, is associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors that possibly lead to increased left ventricular afterload and functional impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether alterations in myocardial work and work efficiency can be found in TS patients through left ventricular pressure-strain loop analysis (PSL).

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with TS and 19 healthy, age-matched controls were recruited for this study. Global peak systolic strain (GLPS) and PSL of the left ventricle was assessed in study participants. TS patients whose history included coarctation of the aorta or prior cardiac surgery were excluded from GLPS and PSL analyses (n=5).

Results

Median age was 16.00 years in the TS group and 16.35 years in the control group (P=0.236). GLPS did not show significant differences between both groups (P=0.524). TS patients demonstrated, compared to controls, a significantly higher global myocardial work index (BSA) (mean ± SD: 1,497±505 vs. 1,214±245 mmHg*%/m²; P=0.027). Heart rate was significantly increased in TS patients, compared to controls (mean ± SD: 90.08±14.79 vs. 73.95±15.05 bpm; P<0.001), and correlated significantly with global myocardial work index [body surface area (BSA)] within the TS cohort (r=0.558, P=0.001).

Conclusions

TS patients showed signs of increased myocardial workload that were only detectable through the novel PSL analysis method and not through GLPS. Moreover, elevated resting heart rate was linked with increased myocardial workload in TS patients. Further studies will have to investigate whether TS patients may develop advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction later in life.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking of the abdominal aorta: a novel approach to evaluate arterial stiffness in patients with Turner syndrome

Background

Turner syndrome (TS) is an X-chromosomal disease affecting one in 2,500-3,000 female newborns. Girls and women with TS show multiple cardiovascular risk factors that all have an impact on arteriosclerosis and thus arterial stiffness. An accurate and non-invasive screening of arterial stiffness is essential to improve the overall outcome in these patients.

Methods

Thirty-five TS patients and 19 healthy, age-matched controls were prospectively recruited for this study. Arterial stiffness was measured at the abdominal aorta in subxiphoid view using two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST). Acquisition was performed at a frame rate of 60-90 fps. Mean peak circumferential strain (AAO-S, %) was measured offline for respective layers (inner layer = AAO-SENDO, %; middle layer = AAO-SMESO, %; outer layer = AAO-SEPI, %).

Results

Compared with the control group, patients with TS showed significantly lower peak circumferential strain values in each layer [AAO-SENDO (mean ± SD): 10.98%±4.73% vs. 15.32%±4.78%, P=0.002; AAO-SMESO (mean ± SD): 6.36%±2.22% vs. 9.18%±2.83%, P<0.001; AAO-SEPI (mean ± SD): 4.49%±1.76% vs. 6.31%±2.53%, P=0.003]. Abdominal aortic strain values correlated significantly with left ventricular diastolic function assessed by mitral early (E) and late (A) flow ratio (AAO-SENDO and E/A: r=0.475, P<0.001; AAO-SMESO and E/A: r=0.504, P<0.001; AAO-SEPI and E/A: r=0.393, P=0.003). Heart rate correlated significantly negative with 2DST assessed arterial distensibility (r=-0.366; P=0.007). Relative intra- and interobserver variability ranged between 8.67% and 21.03% for 2DST of the abdominal aorta.

Conclusions

2DST of the abdominal aorta might provide additional diagnostic value to detect possible functional vascular impairments in patients with TS. Left ventricular diastolic function is coupled with increased arterial stiffness in TS patients. The relatively high intra- and interobserver variability of 2DST of the abdominal aorta requires further improvement of the speckle tracking algorithm.

Novel Biomarkers of Early Atherosclerotic Changes for Personalised Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Infection

Cervical cancer is associated with a causative role of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly prevalent infection. Recently, women with a genital HPV infection were found to have increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including severe cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The pathomechanisms of this relation are not yet fully understood, and may significantly affect the health of a large part of the population. Accelerated atherosclerosis is assumed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of this relationship. To identify high-risk groups of the population, it is necessary to stratify the CVD risk. Current algorithms, as widely used for the estimation of CVD risk, seem to be limited by the individual misclassification of high-risk subjects. However, personalised prediction of cardiovascular events is missing. Regarding HPV-related CVD, identification of novel sensitive biomarkers reflecting early atherosclerotic changes could be of major importance for such personalised cardiovascular risk prediction. Therefore, this review focuses on the pathomechanisms leading to HPV-related cardiovascular diseases with respect to atherosclerosis, and the description of potential novel biomarkers to detect the earliest atherosclerotic changes important for the prevention of CVD in HPV infection and cervical cancer.