Arterial stiffness and wave reflection: sex differences and relationship with left ventricular diastolic function

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on ventricular-arterial coupling and left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction

To maintain efficient myocardial function, optimal coordination between ventricular contraction and the arterial system is required. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to improve left ventricular (LV) function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CR on ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) and its components, as well as their associations with changes in LV function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF). Effective arterial elastance (EA) and index (EAI) were calculated from the stroke volume and brachial systolic blood pressure. Effective LV end-systolic elastance (ELV) and index (ELVI) were obtained using the single-beat method. The characteristic impedance (Zc) of the aortic root was calculated after Fourier transformation of both aortic pressure and flow waveforms. Pulse wave separation analysis was performed to obtain the reflection magnitude (RM). An exercise-based, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program was administered for up to 6 months. Twenty-nine patients were studied. However, eight patients declined to participate in the CR program and were subsequently classified as the non-CR group. At baseline, E' velocity showed significant associations with EAI (beta -0.393; P = 0.027) and VAC (beta -0.375; P = 0.037). There were also significant associations of LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) with EAI (beta 0.467; P = 0.011). Follow-up studies after a minimum of 6 months demonstrated a significant increase in E' velocity (P = 0.035), improved EF (P = 0.010), and LV GLS (P = 0.001), and a decreased EAI (P = 0.025) only in the CR group. Changes in E' velocity were significantly associated with changes in EAI (beta -0.424; P = 0.033). Increased aortic afterload and VA mismatch were associated with a negative impact on both LV diastolic and systolic function. The outpatient CR program effectively decreased aortic afterload and improved LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction in patients with AMI and preserved or mildly reduced EF.

Phosphate in Cardiovascular Disease: From New Insights Into Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications

Hyperphosphatemia is a common feature in patients with impaired kidney function and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This phenomenon extends to the general population, whereby elevations of serum phosphate within the normal range increase risk; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is multifaceted, and many aspects are poorly understood. Less than 1% of total body phosphate is found in the circulation and extracellular space, and its regulation involves multiple organ cross talk and hormones to coordinate absorption from the small intestine and excretion by the kidneys. For phosphate to be regulated, it must be sensed. While mostly enigmatic, various phosphate sensors have been elucidated in recent years. Phosphate in the circulation can be buffered, either through regulated exchange between extracellular and cellular spaces or through chelation by circulating proteins (ie, fetuin-A) to form calciprotein particles, which in themselves serve a function for bulk mineral transport and signaling. Either through direct signaling or through mediators like hormones, calciprotein particles, or calcifying extracellular vesicles, phosphate can induce various cardiovascular disease pathologies: most notably, ectopic cardiovascular calcification but also left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as bone and kidney diseases, which then propagate phosphate dysregulation further. Therapies targeting phosphate have mostly focused on intestinal binding, of which appreciation and understanding of paracellular transport has greatly advanced the field. However, pharmacotherapies that target cardiovascular consequences of phosphate directly, such as vascular calcification, are still an area of great unmet medical need.

The moderating effect of fluid overload on the relationship between the augmentation index and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with CKD

Increased vascular stiffness, fluid overload, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the potential moderating effect of volume status in the relationship between arterial stiffness and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in non-dialysis patients with stage 5 CKD. The radial augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min (rAIx75), overhydration/extracellular water (OH/ECW), and E/e´ ratio were concurrently measured in 152 consecutive patients. Each of these parameters reflects the status of vascular stiffness, fluid balance, and LV diastolic function, respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated a significant interaction effect of OH/ECW for all patients (P = 0.015), even after controlling for confounders. In separate analyses, this interaction effect was particularly significant in women (P = 0.010), whereas its significance in patients with diabetes was marginally significant (P = 0.062). Our study suggested that fluid overload could be one of the more aggravating factors of LVDD in patients with CKD who have increased arterial stiffness. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct simultaneous assessments of vascular stiffness, fluid balance, and LV function, particularly in the specific groups mentioned earlier. Our results may serve as evidence applicable to patients with chronic heart failure.

Risk Factors and Cellular Differences in Heart Failure: The Key Role of Sex Hormones

Patients with heart failure are conventionally stratified into phenotypic groups based on their ejection fraction. The aim of this stratification is to improve disease management with a more targeted therapeutic approach. A further subdivision based on patient gender is justified. It is recognized that women are underrepresented in randomized controlled clinical trials, resulting in limited clinical and molecular differentiation between males and females. However, many observational studies show that the onset, development, and clinical course of the disease may substantially differ between the two sexes. According to the emerging concept of precision medicine, investigators should further explore the mechanisms responsible for the onset of heart failure due to sex differences. Indeed, the synergistic or opposing effects of sex hormones on the cardiovascular system and underlying heart failure mechanisms have not yet been clarified. Sex hormones, risk factors impact, and cardiovascular adaptations may be relevant for a better understanding of the intrinsic pathophysiological mechanisms in the two sexes. Despite the differences, treatment for HF is similar across the whole population, regardless of sex and gender. In our review, we describe the main differences in terms of cardiovascular dysfunction, risk factors, and cellular signaling modifications related to the hormonal pattern.

Prevalence of, association with, severity of, and prognostic role of serum hemoglobin level in acutely decompensated heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

The role of hemoglobin (Hb) level in the short-term prognosis of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a matter of debate. We aimed to declare the prevalence of, association with, severity of, and prognostic role of SHL with ADHF.

METHODS

Using the data from the Persian Registry Of Cardiovascular Disease/ Heart Failure (PROVE-HF) study, we assessed the association between anemia and polycythemia (Hb < 13 g/dLit, > 16.5 g/dLit in males and < 12 g/dLit, and > 16 g/dLit in females, respectively) and short-term mortality using Cox proportional hazard modeling, with adjustment of clinically relevant variables.

RESULTS

Of 3652 ADHF patients, anemia was seen in 1673 patients (48.40%). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 42.33% (n = 1546), 3.23% (n = 118), and 0.24% (n = 9), respectively. Also, 422 patients (11.55%) had polycythemia. Compared to non-anemic patients, anemic patients were mainly male, older, and were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (DM), renal dysfunction, hypertension (HTN), and thyroid disease. Significant predictors of short-term mortality were lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower Hb level, and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Anemic patients had higher all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.213, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.054-1.396]. Moderate anemia increased mortality by approximately 80% in males (aHR 1.793, 95% CI 1.308-2.458) and females (aHR 1.790, 95% CI 1.312-2.442), respectively. Polycythemia had no association with short-term mortality in both genders (P-value > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that anemia is an adverse prognostic factor for short-term mortality in ADHF patients, with higher mortality in moderately anemic patients.

Prognostic value of central blood pressure on the outcomes of embolic stroke of undetermined source

We investigated the prognostic impact of central blood pressure (BP) on outcomes in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The prognostic value of central BP according to ESUS subtype was also evaluated. We recruited patients with ESUS and data on their central BP parameters (central systolic BP [SBP], central diastolic BP [DBP], central pulse pressure [PP], augmentation pressure [AP], and augmentation index [AIx]) during admission. ESUS subtype classification was arteriogenic embolism, minor cardioembolism, two or more causes, and no cause. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as recurrent stroke, acute coronary syndrome, hospitalization for heart failure, or death. Over a median of 45.8 months, 746 patients with ESUS were enrolled and followed up. Patients had a mean age of 62.8 years, and 62.2% were male. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that central SBP and PP were associated with MACE. All-cause mortality was independently associated with AIx. In patients with no cause ESUS, central SBP and PP, AP, and AIx were independently associated with MACE. AP and AIx were independently associated with all-cause mortality (all p < 0.05). We demonstrated that central BP can predict poor long-term prognosis in patients with ESUS, especially those with the no cause ESUS subtype.

Relation between aortic elasticity parameters and SYNTAX score in postmenopausal diabetic women

BACKGROUND

Postmenopausal women are at increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Diabetes Mellitus is a major risk factor for CAD. The stiffening of the aorta is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the relation of aortic elasticity parameters to CAD severity assessed by SYNTAX score (SS) in diabetic postmenopausal women. The study prospectively included 200 consecutive diabetic postmenopausal women with CAD who underwent elective coronary angiography. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on SS, low-SS ≤ 22, intermediate-SS ≥ 23- ≤ 32, and high-SS ≥ 33. Echocardiographic aortic elasticity parameters, including aortic stiffness index (ASI), aortic strain (AS) (%) and aortic distensibility (AD) were obtained in all patients.

RESULTS

Patients in the high SS group were older age and had a higher aortic stiffness. After adjusting different co-variates AD, AS, and ASI could be used as independent predictors of high SS with the following P-values (0.019, 0.016 and 0.010) and cut-off values (2.5, 3.6 and 2.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In diabetic postmenopausal women, the simple echocardiography-derived aortic elasticity parameters might predict the severity and complexity of angiographic coronary lesions assessed by the SS.

Association of Elevated Arterial Stiffness With Cardiac Target Organ Damage and Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Young Adults With Diabetes: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

OBJECTIVE

Adults with diabetes are at risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, possibly due to increased arterial stiffness (AS) and cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN). We sought to determine whether 1) AS is associated with cardiac target organ damage in young adults with youth-onset diabetes, 2) whether CAN is associated with AS, as one possible etiology for increased AS in this cohort, and 3) whether these relationships differ by type of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study (type 1 diabetes [T1D], n = 222; type 2 diabetes [T2D], n = 177; mean age 23 years) had clinical, echocardiographic, AS, and CAN assessed. Linear regression was performed to determine whether AS was associated with cardiac changes and CAN and whether relationships differed by diabetes type.

RESULTS

AS was significantly associated with cardiac structure (left ventricular mass index, P < 0.0001), systolic function (ejection fraction, P = 0.03) and diastolic function (transmitral peak early [E]/atrial [A] wave velocities ratio, P = 0.008; early [e']/atrial [a'] waves, P = 0.02) after adjustments for CV risk factors. The association between AS and CAN was not significant when other important covariates were added. These relationships were mostly similar in both T1D and T2D.

CONCLUSIONS

AS is associated with cardiac changes in young adults with diabetes. CAN-induced AS does not appear to be an etiology for cardiac abnormalities in this cohort.

Clinical implications of the cardio-ankle vascular index before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness indices are used to assess the material properties of the arterial wall and are associated with cardiovascular events. Aortic stenosis (AS) is commonly caused by degenerative calcification and can be associated with increased arterial stiffness. However, the clinical implications of arterial stiffness indices in AS patients before and after treatment are unknown.

METHODS

This single-center observational study enrolled 150 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe AS. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was measured before and after TAVI. The patients were divided into two groups according to the CAVI values before and after TAVI: high CAVI group and low CAVI group. Patient and echocardiographic data and clinical outcomes, including cardiac death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF), were compared.

RESULTS

The pre- and postprocedural CAVI was 7.90 (6.75-9.30) and 9.65 (8.90-10.65), respectively. In the analyses with preprocedural CAVI, preprocedural echocardiographic aortic valve peak flow velocity was significantly lower in the high CAVI group. No significant differences between the two groups were observed in the occurrence of cardiac death or hospitalization for HF. In the analyses with postprocedural CAVI, B-type natriuretic peptide levels and E/e' ratio after TAVI were significantly higher in the high CAVI group. The composite of cardiac death and hospitalization occurrence for HF was significantly higher in the high CAVI group.

CONCLUSION

CAVI before TAVI is mainly affected by the AS severity, while CAVI after TAVI is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and late cardiac events, which may reflect arterial stiffness.

Sex Differences in Phosphate Homeostasis: Females Excrete More Phosphate and Calcium After an Oral Phosphate Challenge

CONTEXT

Dietary consumption of phosphate is increasing, and elevated serum phosphate is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Sex differences in phosphate homeostasis and response to changes in dietary phosphate intake, which are not captured by clinically measured analytes, may contribute to differences in CVD presentation and bone disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess sex differences in acute phosphate homeostasis in response to a single oral phosphate challenge.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

General community.

PARTICIPANTS

78 participants (40-76 years) with measured glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and no clinically diagnosed CVD and 14 young healthy adults.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To elucidate subtle alterations in phosphate homeostasis, we employ an acute challenge whereby the hormonal response, circulating mineral levels, and urinary excretion are assessed following an oral challenge of phosphate.

RESULTS

Although both males and females had similar changes in circulating phosphate, calcium, and parathyroid hormone in response to the challenge, females excreted ∼1.9x more phosphate and ∼2.7x more calcium than males, despite not consuming calcium. These sex differences were recapitulated in healthy young adults. This excretion response did not correlate to age, serum phosphate, or estradiol levels. The females with greater excretion of phosphate had higher levels of bone resorption markers compared to formation markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these data identify sex differences in acute phosphate homeostasis, specifically that females may mobilize and excrete endogenous sources of calcium and phosphate in response to oral phosphate compared to males. While high levels of dietary phosphate negatively impact bone, our results suggest that females may incur more risk from these diets.

Estimated pulse wave velocity and incident heart failure and its subtypes: Findings from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

Age-associated increase in aortic stiffness, measured as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an important effector of cardiac damage and heart failure (HF). Pulse wave velocity estimated from age and blood pressure (ePWV) is emerging as a useful proxy of vascular aging and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk. We examined the association of ePWV with incident HF and its subtypes in a large community sample of 6814 middle-aged and older adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

METHODS

Participants with an ejection fraction ≤40 % were classified as HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) while those with an ejection fraction ≥50 % were classified as HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Over a mean follow-up period of 12.5 years, incident HF was diagnosed in 339 participants: 165 were classified as HFrEF and 138 as HFpEF. In fully adjusted models, the highest quartile of ePWV was significantly associated with an increased risk of overall HF (HR 4.79, 95 % CI 2.43-9.45) compared with the lowest quartile (reference). When exploring HF subtypes, the highest quartile of ePWV was associated with HFrEF (HR 8.37, 95 % CI 4.24-16.52) and HFpEF (HR 3.94, 95 % CI 1.39-11.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher ePWV values were associated with higher rates of incident HF and its subtypes in a large, diverse cohort of men and women.

Arterial stiffness and blood pressure increase in pediatric kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness. We investigated PWV and blood pressure (BP) to determine to what extent BP changes contribute to arterial stiffness, and secondly, to identify influencing factors on BP in children after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

Seventy children ≥ 2.5 years post-transplantation with at least two PWV measurements were included. Changes of systolic (Δ SBP) and diastolic BP (Δ DBP) were classified into "stable/decreasing," "1-10 mmHg increase," and " > 10 mmHg increase." Linear mixed modeling for PWV z-score (PWVz) adjusted either for Δ SBP or Δ DBP was performed. An extended dataset with monthly entries of BP, immunosuppression, and creatinine was obtained in 35 participants over a median of 74 months to perform linear mixed modeling for SBP and DBP.

RESULTS

PWVz increased with a rate of 0.11/year (95% CI 0.054 to 0.16). Compared to participants with stable BP, those with 1-10-mmHg SBP and DBP increase showed a higher PWVz of 0.59 (95% CI 0.046 to 1.13) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.30), respectively. A > 10-mmHg BP increase was associated with an even higher PWVz (SBP β = 0.78, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.34; DBP β = 1.37, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.94). Female sex and participants with lower eGFR showed higher PWVz. In the extended analysis, DBP was positively associated with cyclosporin A and everolimus trough levels.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher increase of PWV is seen in patients with greater BP increase, with higher cyclosporin A and everolimus trough levels associated with higher BP. This emphasizes the role of BP as a modifiable risk factor for the improvement of cardiovascular outcome after transplantation. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Cross-Sectional Relationships of Proximal Aortic Stiffness and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Adults in the Community

Background Stiffness of the proximal aorta may play a critical role in adverse left ventricular (LV)-vascular interactions and associated LV diastolic dysfunction. In a community-based sample, we sought to determine the association between proximal aortic stiffness measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and several clinical measures of LV diastolic mechanics. Methods and Results Framingham Heart Study Offspring adults (n=1502 participants, mean 67±9 years, 54% women) with available 1.5T CMR and transthoracic echocardiographic measures were included. Measures included proximal descending aortic strain and aortic arch pulse wave velocity by CMR (2002-2006) and diastolic function (mitral Doppler E and A wave velocity, E wave area, and LV tissue Doppler e' velocity) by echocardiography (2005-2008). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to relate CMR aortic stiffness measures to measures of echocardiographic LV diastolic function. All continuous variables were standardized. In multivariable-adjusted regression analyses, aortic strain was inversely associated with E wave deceleration time (estimated β=-0.10±0.032, P=0.001), whereas aortic arch pulse wave velocity was inversely associated with E/A ratio (estimated β=-0.094±0.027, P=0.0006), E wave area (estimated β=-0.070±0.027, P=0.010), and e' (estimated β=-0.061±0.027, P=0.022), all indicating associations of higher aortic stiffness by CMR with less favorable LV diastolic function. Compared with men, women had a larger inverse relationship between pulse wave velocity and E/A ratio (interaction β=-0.085±0.031, P=0.0064). There was no significant effect modification by age or a U-shaped (quadratic) relation between aortic stiffness and LV diastolic function measures. Conclusions Higher proximal aortic stiffness is associated with less favorable LV diastolic function. Future studies may clarify temporal relations of aortic stiffness with varying patterns and progression of LV diastolic dysfunction.

Menopause influences aortic pulse pressure and pressure wave responses to metaboreflex activation in women

OBJECTIVE

Postmenopausal women (post-MW) have greater risk of heart failure due to aortic pulsatile overload on the left ventricle associated with increased backward wave pressure (Pb). Post-MW have exaggerated peripheral blood pressure (BP) response to exercise mediated by metaboreflex (postexercise muscle ischemia [PEMI]) overactivation. Increased forward wave pressure (Pf) and Pb are determinants of aortic pulse pressure (PP) during isometric handgrip exercis (IHG) in young adults. We hypothesized that aortic PP and pressure wave responses to PEMI are augmented in nonhypertensive post-MW compared with premenopausal women (pre-MW).

METHODS

Aortic BP, Pf, Pb, and reflection magnitude were assessed at rest and during IHG and PEMI by applanation tonometry in 15 pre-MW and 16 post-MW.

RESULTS

Aortic systolic BP during PEMI similarly increased in both groups. The increase in diastolic BP was lower in post-MW (post-MW Δ6 ± 2 vs pre-MW Δ11 ± 2 mm Hg, P < 0.05). Aortic PP (post-MW Δ8 ± 2 vs pre-MW Δ3 ± 2), Pf (post-MW Δ6 ± 1 vs pre-MW Δ0 ± 1), and Pb (post-MW Δ5 ± 1 vs pre-MW Δ2 ± 1) augmented during PEMI in post-MW ( P < 0.05 for all), but not in pre-MW. Reflection magnitude increased during PEMI only in pre-MW (pre-MW Δ7 ± 2 vs post-MW Δ-1 ± 2, P < 0.05) due to concurrent increases in Pf and Pb in post-MW.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in nonhypertensive postmenopausal women, increases in Pf and Pb and decrease in aortic DBP are important factors that contribute to the augmented aortic PP response to PEMI.

The Relationship of Vascular Aging to Reduced Cognitive Function: Pulsatile and Steady State Arterial Hemodynamics

Aortic stiffness increases with age and is a robust predictor of cerebrovascular events and cognitive decline including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Recent clinical studies have investigated the association between proximal aortic stiffness and pulsatile energy transmission that has deleterious effects on the cerebrovascular network in order to identify potential therapeutic targets. Aging causes disproportionate stiffening of the aorta compared with the carotid arteries, reducing protective impedance mismatches at their interface, increasing the transmission of destructive pulsatile pressure and energy to the cerebral circulation, and leading to cerebral small vessel disease. Thus, aortic stiffening and high-flow pulsatility are associated with alterations in the microvasculature of the brain, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and white matter damage, which contribute to impaired memory function with advancing age. Previous studies have also shown that silent lacunar infarcts and white matter hyperintensities are strongly associated with arterial stiffness. More and more evidence suggests that vascular etiologies, including aortic stiffness, impedance match, and microvascular damage, are associated with cognitive impairment and the pathogenesis of dementia. The measurement of arterial flow and pressure can help understand pulsatile hemodynamics and its impact on vital organs. Interventions that reduce aortic stiffness, such as improvement of the living environment, management of risk factors, and innovation and development of novel drugs, may reduce the risk for dementia.

Sex Differences in Vascular Aging and Impact of GPER Deletion

Aging is a nonmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease associated with arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that sex differences exist in vascular aging processes and would be attenuated by global deletion of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. Blood pressure was measured by tail cuff plethysmography, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and echocardiography were assessed with high resolution ultrasound, and small vessel reactivity was measured using wire myography in adult (25 weeks) and middle-aged (57 weeks) male and female mice. Adult female mice displayed lower blood pressure and PWV, but this sex difference was absent in middle-aged mice. Aging significantly increased PWV but not blood pressure in both sexes. Adult female carotids were more distensible than males, but this sex difference was lost during aging. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was greater in female than male mice at both ages, and only males showed aging-induced changes in cardiac hypertrophy and function. GPER deletion removed the sex difference in PWV as well as ex vivo stiffness in adult mice. The sex difference in blood pressure was absent in KO mice and was associated with endothelial dysfunction in females. These findings indicate that the impact of aging on arterial stiffening and endothelial function is not the same in male and female mice. Moreover, nongenomic estrogen signaling through GPER impacted vascular phenotype differently in male and female mice. Delineating sex differences in vascular changes during healthy aging is an important first step in improving early detection and sex-specific treatments in our aging population.

Exercise Blood Pressure in Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate hemodynamic correlates of inducible blood pressure (BP) pulsatility with exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), to identify relationships to outcomes, and to compare this with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

BACKGROUND

In HFpEF, determinants and consequences of exercise BP pulsatility are not well understood.

METHODS

We measured exercise BP in 146 patients with HFpEF who underwent invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Pulsatile BP was evaluated as proportionate pulse pressure (PrPP), the ratio of pulse pressure to systolic pressure. We measured pulmonary arterial catheter pressures, Fick cardiac output, respiratory gas exchange, and arterial stiffness. We correlated BP changes to central hemodynamics and cardiovascular outcome (nonelective cardiovascular hospitalization) and compared findings with 57 patients with HFrEF from the same referral population.

RESULTS

In HFpEF, only age (standardized beta = 0.593; P < 0.001), exercise stroke volume (standardized beta = 0.349; P < 0.001), and baseline arterial stiffness (standardized beta = 0.182; P = 0.02) were significant predictors of peak exercise PrPP in multivariable analysis (R = 0.661). In HFpEF, lower PrPP was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events, despite adjustment for confounders (HR:0.53 for PrPP below median; 95% CI: 0.28-0.98; P = 0.043). In HFrEF, lower exercise PrPP was not associated with arterial stiffness but was associated with lower peak exercise stroke volume (P = 0.013) and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In HFpEF, greater inducible BP pulsatility measured using exercise PrPP reflects greater arterial stiffness and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, in contrast to HFrEF where inducible exercise BP pulsatility relates to stroke volume reserve and favorable outcome.

Insights from the 4C-T Study suggest increased cardiovascular burden in girls with end stage kidney disease before and after kidney transplantation

Mortality in children with kidney failure is higher in girls than boys with cardiovascular complications representing the most common causes of death. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of vascular stiffness, predicts cardiovascular mortality in adults. Here, PWV in children with kidney failure undergoing kidney replacement therapy was investigated to determine sex differences and potential contributing factors. Two-hundred-thirty-five children (80 girls; 34%) undergoing transplantation (150 pre-emptive, 85 with prior dialysis) having at least one PWV measurement pre- and/or post-transplantation from a prospective cohort were analyzed. Longitudinal analyses (median/maximum follow-up time of 6/9 years) were performed for PWV z-scores (PWVz) using linear mixed regression models and further stratified by the categories of time: pre-kidney replacement therapy and post-transplantation. PWVz significantly increased by 0.094 per year and was significantly higher in girls (PWVz +0.295) compared to boys, independent of the underlying kidney disease. During pre-kidney replacement therapy, an average estimated GFR decline of 4ml/min/1.73m² per year was associated with a PWVz increase of 0.16 in girls only. Higher diastolic blood pressure and low density lipoprotein were independently associated with higher PWVz during pre-kidney replacement therapy in both sexes. In girls post-transplantation, an estimated GFR decline of 4ml/min/1.73m² per year pre-kidney replacement therapy and a longer time (over 12 months) to transplantation were significantly associated with higher PWVz of 0.22 and of 0.57, respectively. PWVz increased further after transplantation and was positively associated with time on dialysis and diastolic blood pressure in both sexes. Thus, our findings demonstrate that girls with advanced chronic kidney disease are more susceptible to develop vascular stiffening compared to boys, this difference persist after transplantation and might contribute to higher mortality rates seen in girls with kidney failure.

Effects of a Low-Salt and High-Potassium Diet on Arterial Stiffness and Left Ventricular Function in Indigenous Papuans

Background

A sodium‐restricted diet represents a potential non‐pharmacological strategy for improving blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. We investigated age‐related differences in LV structure and function and the relationship between LV function and central hemodynamics in an indigenous Papuan population, who maintain a traditional lifestyle, including a low‐salt and high‐potassium diet.

Methods and Results

We measured LV dimensions, transmitral blood flow, and mitral annular tissue velocities through echocardiography and Doppler imaging. Blood pressure and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity were measured using an automatic device (Omron). Central blood pressure and wave reflection parameters were estimated via oscillometry (Mobil‐O‐Graph, using European calibrations). A total of 82 native Papuans (median age, 42 years; 38 women; no blood pressure treatment) were enrolled. Age‐related difference in brachial systolic pressure was modest but significant, and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity significantly increased with age; however, LV mass index remained unchanged. LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain were preserved; mitral A‐wave velocity and average E/e´ increased; and e´ and E/A decreased with age. Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity and spot urine Na/K were positively and independently correlated with E/e´. Age and heart rate were inversely associated with E/A. In conclusion, LV systolic function was preserved; however, LV diastolic function decreased with age in Papuans. Moreover, age‐related arterial stiffening, but not wave reflections, was inversely related to LV diastolic function.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that arterial and LV stiffness may not be altered by sodium restriction. Longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of diet on arterial and LV function.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training Frequency on Arterial Stiffness in a Hyperglycemic State in Middle-Aged and Elderly Females

The frequency of aerobic exercise training in reducing the increase in arterial stiffness during acute hyperglycemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the aerobic exercise training frequency on arterial stiffness in a hyperglycemic state in middle-aged and elderly females. Twenty healthy elderly people were randomly assigned to a two-times-a-week (T2, n = 10) and four-times-a-week (T4, n = 10) exercise group. All participants exercised for 35 min per session, which consisted of jogging exercises with a heart rate intensity of 65%. Brachial-ankle (ba), and heart-brachial (hb) pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before, 4 and 8 weeks after intervention; before the oral ingestion of 75-g of glucose; and 30, 60, and 90 min after ingestion. The baPWV before and 4 weeks after the intervention increased in both groups (p < 0.05), but only increased 8 weeks after intervention in the T2 group. hbPWV was unchanged before, 4 and 8 weeks after intervention in both groups. These findings show that frequent aerobic exercise suppresses the increase in arterial stiffness following glucose intake. The results of this study can be used to support the implementation of exercise programs for middle-aged and elderly patients.

Central Haemodynamics Are Associated With Pulmonary Function in Postmenopausal Women

PURPOSE

Increased arterial stiffness predicts cardiovascular disease, which is associated with deteriorated pulmonary function and worsened chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The present study examined whether arterial function was associated with pulmonary function in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This study evaluated 41 postmenopausal women (age range: 59-85 years). Arterial function was measured as central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), central pulse pressure (cPP), brachial systolic BP (bSBP), brachial diastolic BP (bDBP), brachial PP (bPP), brachial mean arterial pressure (bMAP) and the augmentation index (AIx). AIx was adjusted for a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (bpm) (AIx@75) and served as the index of arterial stiffness determined by the reflected wave at the central artery. Pulmonary function was measured as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and the FEV₁/FVC ratio.

RESULTS

Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that cPP, bDBP and bPP were correlated with FVC and FEV₁ (p<0.05, respectively), while AI@75 was correlated with FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC ratio (p<0.01, respectively). A stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that bDBP was independently associated with FVC (p=0.032), while AI@75 was independently associated with FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC ratio (p=0.001, p=0.003 and p=0.017, respectively). The FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC ratio were lower in participants with a high AIx versus with a low AIx (p=0.0001, p=0.001 and p=0.044, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that increased AIx is associated with lower pulmonary function in postmenopausal women.

Lifetime depression and age-related changes in body composition, cardiovascular function, grip strength and lung function: sex-specific analyses in the UK Biobank

Individuals with depression, on average, die prematurely, have high levels of physical comorbidities and may experience accelerated biological ageing. A greater understanding of age-related changes in physiology could provide novel biological insights that may help inform strategies to mitigate excess mortality in depression. We used generalised additive models to examine age-related changes in 15 cardiovascular, body composition, grip strength and lung function measures, comparing males and females with a lifetime history of depression to healthy controls. The main dataset included 342,393 adults (mean age = 55.87 years, SD = 8.09; 52.61% females). We found statistically significant case-control differences for most physiological measures. There was some evidence that age-related changes in body composition, cardiovascular function, lung function and heel bone mineral density followed different trajectories in depression. These differences did not uniformly narrow or widen with age and differed by sex. For example, BMI in female cases was 1.1 kg/m2 higher at age 40 and this difference narrowed to 0.4 kg/m2 at age 70. In males, systolic blood pressure was 1 mmHg lower in depression cases at age 45 and this difference widened to 2.5 mmHg at age 65. These findings suggest that targeted screening for physiological function in middle-aged and older adults with depression is warranted to potentially mitigate excess mortality.

Sex differences in arterial wave reflection and the role of exogenous and endogenous sex hormones: results of the Berlin Aging Study II

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness is tightly linked to hypertension. Sex differences in hypertension and arterial stiffness have already been established, yet the role of sex hormones is not precisely defined. This study examined age and sex differences of arterial wave reflection and associations with endogenous and exogenous sex hormones in women.

METHODS

Pulse wave analysis was performed with an oscillometric device in 590 male and 400 female participants of the Berlin Aging Study II. Participants have been recruited from two age-strata, 22-35 years and 60-82 years. Data on exposures and potential confounders, including medication, have been collected at baseline visit.

RESULTS

Aumentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity increased with age. Mean AIx was higher in women than in men. Multivariable regression analysis showed a positive association between use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and AIx controlling for confounders (age, BMI, current smoking, central blood pressure), with a significantly higher mean AIx in OCP-users compared with nonusers (mean group difference: 4.41; 95% confidence interval 1.61-7.22). Per quartile decrease in estradiol level AIx increased by 1.72 (95% confidence interval 0.43-3.00). In OCP users endogenous estradiol was largely suppressed.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest important sex differences in measures of arterial wave reflection, with a higher mean AIx observed in women compared with men. OCPs may promote the development of hypertension by increasing AIx. Suppressed endogenous estradiol levels may be responsible for this increased wave reflection due to increased vasotonus of the small and medium arteries.

Gender-related differences in heart failure: beyond the "one-size-fits-all" paradigm

Cardiovascular diseases show many sex-related differences in prevalence, etiology, phenotype expression, and outcomes. Complex molecular mechanisms underlie this diverse pathological manifestation, from sex-determined differential gene expression to sex hormones interaction with their specific receptors in different tissues. More recently, differential non-coding RNAs regulation also turned out to be an involved mechanism. This review focuses on sex impact on the various heart failure syndromes, including coronary artery disease, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and with reduced ejection fraction, with particular attention to dilated cardiomyopathy. Despite similar genetic predisposition in terms of identified causative mutations, other causes, such as cardiotoxic drugs exposure or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, are more prevalent in women. Beyond this, differences in disease presentation and natural history reveal a more severe clinical onset with otherwise better long-term outcomes in women compared to men. Understanding the varying characteristics of disease manifestation and outcomes is warranted for a prompt and tailored treatment for both men and women. This is a mandatory step in the road to the personalized medicine. Moreover, despite a higher enrollment in the last years, the under-representation of females in clinical trials is the first obstacle to overcome in the long way to develop appropriate sex-based therapy approach.

Association of prediabetes with impaired left atrial contractility in patients with never-treated hypertension

AIM

Prediabetes defined by HbA1c 5.7-6.4 has been shown to be associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients. We hypothesized HbA1c prediabetes may be related to the alterations of LA contractility or volume in nondiabetic hypertension.

METHODS

Nondiabetic individuals on sinus rhythm were enrolled; 107 patients with never-treated hypertension, 134 patients with treated hypertension, and 71 normotensive subjects. Participants were classified as normal glucose tolerance (NGT, HbA1c<5.7), prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4) according to the ADA criteria. They underwent echocardiography to measure left atrial (LA) phasic volumes and functions, as well as mitral E/e' and mitral e'.

RESULTS

In nondiabetic patients with never-treated hypertension, prediabetes saw lower LA total emptying fraction (53.7 ± 8.2 vs. 48.3 ± 9.9*) and mitral e' (7.38 ± 2.18 vs. 6.17 ± 1.50*) than NGT, implicating that the association of prediabetes with reduced LA contractility and LV stiffness. On the other hand, in nondiabetic patients with treated hypertension, prediabetes saw higher maximum LA volume/BSA (29.7 ± 7.1 vs. 32.9 ± 6.2* ml/mm²) and mitral E/e' (10.72 ± 3.08 vs. 12.37 ± 3.35*) than NGT, suggesting the relationship of prediabetes with increased LA preload.

CONCLUSION

Prediabetes may be involved in the progression of LA structural and functional alterations in nondiabetic hypertensive patients.

Relationship between fiducial points on the peripheral and central blood pressure waveforms: rate of rise of the central waveform is a determinant of peripheral systolic blood pressure

Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP, the peak of the central waveform) is usually regarded as the determinant of peripheral systolic blood pressure with amplification of peripheral systolic blood pressure (pSBP) measured with reference to cSBP. However, the earlier portion of the central waveform up to the first systolic shoulder (P1) may be the major determinant of pSBP. We performed in silico simulation studies and examined previously acquired experimental data (n = 131) in which peripheral and central blood pressure waveforms had been acquired both invasively and noninvasively to examine the determinants of pSBP. Measurements were made at baseline and during perturbation of hemodynamics by inotropic and vasoactive drugs. In silico simulations using a central-to-peripheral transfer function demonstrated that pSBP is dependent on P1 and the rate of change (dP/dt) of central pressure up to the time of P1 but not cSBP. In computational simulations, peripheral reflection in the radial artery was closely related to dP/dt, and 97% of the variability in amplification as measured with reference to P1 was explained by dP/dt. In vivo, amplification of pSBP over P1 was correlated with dP/dt (R > 0.75, P < 0.0001 for all data sets), and P1 and dP/dt were independently correlated with pSBP, explaining 90% of the variability in pSBP. We conclude that P1 and dP/dt are major determinants of pSBP and that pSBP and cSBP are, in part, determined by different cardiac, central, and peripheral vascular properties.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Peripheral systolic BP is determined mainly by the first shoulder and the rate of rise of the central systolic blood pressure waveform rather than the peak of this waveform (central systolic BP). Peripheral and central systolic blood pressure are determined by different cardiac and vascular properties.

Arterial Stiffness in Aging: Does It Have a Place in Clinical Practice?: Recent Advances in Hypertension

Aortic stiffness increases markedly with age and is associated with excess risk for various adverse clinical outcomes, including heart disease, dementia, and kidney disease. Although evidence for adverse effects of aortic stiffening is overwhelming, integration of direct and indirect measures of aortic stiffness into routine clinical assessment has lagged behind the science. This brief review will examine recent evidence supporting the value of stiffness as an important new risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease and will offer suggestions for incorporating stiffness measures into routine clinical practice.

Sex-specific associations of obesity with exercise capacity and diastolic function in Koreans

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Women with obesity are highly predominant among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aimed to elucidate sex-specific associations of obesity with exercise capacity and diastolic function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Healthy individuals without known cardiovascular diseases undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiography (n = 736) were included and categorized into 4 groups according to their sex and obesity. Exercise capacity was lower in women than men. Obesity was associated with a lower exercise capacity in women (23.5 ± 7.3 vs. 21.3 ± 5.4 ml/kg/min, p < 0.05) but not in men (28.2 ± 7.8 vs. 28.0 ± 6.6 ml/kg/min, p > 0.10). Overall, women had a higher E/e' than men. Women without obesity had a similar E/e' to men with obesity (8.2 ± 1.8 vs. 8.4 ± 2.1, p > 0.10), and women with obesity had the highest E/e'. Among 5 risk factors (aging, obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and elevated fasting glucose), obesity was a significant determinant of exercise intolerance in women but not men. Furthermore, obesity was associated with a greater risk of diastolic dysfunction in women than men (women, adjusted odds ratio 4.35 [95% confidence interval 2.44-7.74]; men, adjusted odds ratio 2.91 [95% confidence interval 1.42-5.95]).

CONCLUSION

Obesity had a more deleterious effect on exercise capacity and diastolic function in women than men, even in a healthy cohort. These subclinical changes might contribute to the development of a female predominance among HFpEF patients, particularly among individuals with obesity.

Increased Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Reduced Diastolic Function in Youth With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Increased arterial stiffness is associated with diastolic dysfunction in adults. Data in youth are lacking, so we examined the impact of arterial stiffness on diastolic function in youth. Methods: We obtained diastolic function and augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, brachial artery distensibility, and carotid stiffness on 612 youth [10-24 years, 65% female, 38% normal weight, 36% obese, and 26% with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)]. Participants were classified as compliant (C) vs. stiff (S) arteries based on seven arterial stiffness parameters [Global Stiffness Index (GSI), S = GSI > 4). Mean differences in covariates were evaluated by Student's t-tests. A stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine if GSI was an independent predictor of diastolic function. Results: Lower diastolic function and more adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were present in the S group (n = 67) than the C group (n = 545) (p < 0.001). Covariates that were associated with diastolic dysfunction were higher GSI, male sex, higher body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) z-score (R ² = 0.18 to 0.25; p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Adverse diastolic function is seen in youth with increased arterial stiffness independent of CVD risk factors. Interventions to improve arterial stiffness prior to clinical onset of diastolic dysfunction are needed to prevent development of heart failure.

Characteristics of Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease in ADPKD

Introduction

Cystic expansion damaging the parenchyma is thought to lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Here we characterized genotypic and phenotypic attributes of ADPKD at time of ESKD.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with ADPKD with ESKD evaluated at Mayo Clinic with available abdominal computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Kidney volumes were measured (total kidney volume adjusted for height [HtTKV]), Mayo Image Class (MIC) calculated, ADPKD genotype determined, and clinical and laboratory features obtained from medical records.

Results

Differences in HtTKV at ESKD were associated with patient age and sex; older patients and women had smaller HtTKV at ESKD. HtTKV at ESKD was observed to be 12.3% smaller with each decade of age (P < 0.01); but significant only in women (17.8%, P < 0.01; men 6.9%, P = 0.06). Patients with onset of ESKD at <47, 47–61, or >61 years had different characteristics, with a shift from youngest to oldest in male to female enrichment, MIC from 1D/1E to 1B/1C, likely fully penetrant PKD1 mutations from 95% to 42%, and presence of macrovascular disease from 8% to 40%. Macrovascular disease was associated with smaller kidneys in female patients.

Conclusion

HtTKV at ESKD was smaller with advancing age in patients with ADPKD, particularly in women. These novel findings provide insight into possible underlying mechanisms leading to ESKD, which differ between younger and older individuals. Cystic growth is the predominant mechanism in younger patients with ESKD, whereas aging-related factors, including vascular disease, becomes potentially important as patients age.

Impaired pulse pressure amplification, augmentation index, and arterial stiffness are associated with reduced limb lean mass in overweight and obese postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

The age-related muscle mass loss has been associated with increased arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, baPWV) and wave reflection (augmentation index, AIx). In healthy individuals, pulse pressure (PP) is lower in the aorta compared to the brachial artery (PP amplification, PPA). Postmenopausal women experience elevated aortic stiffness leading to increased AIx and aortic PP causing reduced PPA, an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. It is unknown whether appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), arm (ArmLM) or leg lean mass (LegLM) are negatively associated with PPA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between vascular function (PPA, AIx, and baPWV) and lean mass (ASMI, ArmLM, and LegLM) in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

The study was performed in 93 postmenopausal women (48-71 years; BMI: 30 ± 7 kg/m²). PPA (brachial/aortic PP), aortic AIx, and baPWV were measured. ArmLM and LegLM were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ASMI was calculated as (ArmLM+LegLM)/Ht². Associations between vascular and lean mass measures were analyzed by multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

PPA was associated with ASMI (β = 0.29, p = .016) and LegLM (β = 0.25, p = .028) after adjustment for age, height, systolic pressure, strength, and heart rate. AIx was associated with ASMI (β = -0.27, p = .011), ArmLM (β = -0.25, p = .023), and LegLM (β = -0.22, p = .026), while baPWV was associated with reduced ASMI (β = -0.23, p = .043) and ArmLM (β = -0.23, p = .045), but not with LegLM (β = -0.19, p = .074) after full adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that impaired pulsatile hemodynamics (PPA and AIx) are negatively associated with ASMI and LegLM, while arterial stiffness is negatively associated with ASMI and ArmLM. Thus, vascular dysfunction may be implicated in muscle mass loss in overweight and obese postmenopausal women.

Office, central and ambulatory blood pressure for predicting incident atrial fibrillation in older adults

OBJECTIVES

Recently, more sophisticated blood pressure (BP) measurements, such as central and ambulatory BP (ABP), have proven to be stronger predictors of future cardiovascular disease than conventional office BP. Their predictive value for atrial fibrillation development is not established. We investigated the prognostic impact for incident atrial fibrillation of office, central and ambulatory BP measurements in a predominantly older population-based cohort.

METHODS

Of 1004 participants in the Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) study, 769 in sinus rhythm with no history of atrial fibrillation or stroke (mean age 70.5 years) underwent ABP and arterial wave reflection analysis for central BP determination. Fine and Gray's proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to assess the association of BP parameters with incident atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

During 9.5 years, atrial fibrillation occurred in 83 participants. No office BP variable showed a significant association with incident atrial fibrillation. Central SBP and central pulse pressure were marginally associated with incident atrial fibrillation in multivariate analysis. Among ABP variables, 24-h SBP [adjusted hazard ratio per 10 mmHg, 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07--1.44; P = 0.004], daytime SBP (adjusted hazard ratio per 10 mmHg, 1.21; 95% CI 1.04--1.40; P = 0.011) and night-time SBP (adjusted hazard ratio per 10 mmHg, 1.22; 95% CI 1.07--1.39; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with incident atrial fibillation.

CONCLUSION

In a predominantly older, stroke-free community-based cohort, ABP was a better independent predictor of incident atrial fibrillation than central BP, whereas office BP was inadequate for this purpose.

Clinical Associations of Vascular Stiffness, Microvascular Dysfunction, and Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease in a Black Cohort: The Jackson Heart Study

Background

Measures of vascular dysfunction are related to adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in non‐Hispanic, White populations; however, data from Black individuals are limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between novel hemodynamic measures and prevalent CVD in a sample of Black individuals.

Methods and Results

Among older Black participants of the Jackson Heart Study, we assessed noninvasive vascular hemodynamic measures using arterial tonometry and Doppler ultrasound. We assessed 5 measures of aortic stiffness and wave reflection (carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, pulse wave velocity ratio, forward pressure wave amplitude, central pulse pressure, and augmentation index), and 2 measures of microvascular function (baseline and hyperemic brachial flow velocity). Using multivariable logistic regression models, we examined the relations between vascular hemodynamic measures and prevalent CVD. In models adjusted for traditional CVD risk factors, higher carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (odds ratio [OR],1.25; 95% CI, 1.01–1.55; P=0.04), lower augmentation index (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.70–0.99; P=0.05), and lower hyperemic brachial flow velocity (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.90; P=0.001) were associated with higher odds of CVD. After further adjustment for hypertension treatment, lower augmentation index (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.70–0.99; P=0.04) and hyperemic brachial flow velocity (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67–0.94; P=0.006), but not carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.99–1.051; P=0.06), were associated with higher odds of CVD.

Conclusions

In a sample of older Black individuals, more severe microvascular damage and aortic stiffness were associated with prevalent CVD. Further research on hemodynamic mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular risk among older Black individuals is merited.

Simultaneous influence of sex and age on blood pressure difference between supine and sitting body positions

OBJECTIVES

Doctors' offices and outpatient departments typically measure blood pressure (BP) with the patient in a sitting position, whereas inpatient departments also use the supine position. As sex and age influence the autonomic function associated with BP regulation our study compared BP measurements in supine and sitting positions for men and women of different ages.

METHODS

We included 91 men and 118 women (≥18 years) without severe diseases. Hypertension was not an exclusion criterion because it is common in older persons. Mean left brachial BP and heart rate were determined by a digital sphygmomanometer in supine position as well as in sitting position before and after hand force measurement.

RESULTS

In a supine position women had slightly lower diastolic BP values than men. After sitting up, the diastolic BP increased in nearly all subjects. This increase was greater in women older than 50 years than for aged-matched men. In contrast to diastolic BP the systolic BP increased after sitting up in only two thirds of the subjects. Especially in women younger than 50 years the systolic BP often did not increase but decreased in response to postural change. The pulse pressure was mostly reduced after sitting up. This reduction was more pronounced in women than men independent of age and physical effort (i.e. hand force measurement). The sitting position also caused an increased heart rate, which was independent of sex and age.

CONCLUSION

Postural changes in the systolic and diastolic BP simultaneously depend on sex and age that needs to be considered for BP measurements in supine and sitting body positions.

Estrogen-related mechanisms in sex differences of hypertension and target organ damage

Hypertension (HTN) is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events, target organ damage (TOD), premature death and disability worldwide. The pathophysiology of HTN is complex and influenced by many factors including biological sex. Studies show that the prevalence of HTN is higher among adults aged 60 and over, highlighting the increase of HTN after menopause in women. Estrogen (E2) plays an important role in the development of systemic HTN and TOD, exerting several modulatory effects. The influence of E2 leads to alterations in mechanisms regulating the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, body mass, oxidative stress, endothelial function and salt sensitivity; all associated with a crucial inflammatory state and influenced by genetic factors, ultimately resulting in cardiac, vascular and renal damage in HTN. In the present article, we discuss the role of E2 in mechanisms accounting for the development of HTN and TOD in a sex-specific manner. The identification of targets with therapeutic potential would contribute to the development of more efficient treatments according to individual needs.

The influence of sex on left ventricular remodeling in arterial hypertension

Hypertension represents one of the most important and most frequent cardiovascular risk factors responsible for heart failure (HF) development. Both sexes are equally affected by arterial hypertension. The difference is lying in the fact that prevalence of hypertension as well as hypertension-induced target organ damage varies during lifetime due to substantial variation of sex hormones in women. Left ventricular (LV) structural, functional, and mechanical changes induced by hypertension are well-known complications that occur in both sexes and they are responsible for HF development. However, their prevalence is significantly different between women and men, which could potentially explain the variation in HF occurrence and prognosis between the sexes. Studies have shown that the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy is higher in men. The data are not consistent regarding LV diastolic dysfunction and a similar report has been given for LV mechanical changes. Most investigations agree that LV longitudinal strain is lower among hypertensive men. However, even in the healthy population, men have lower LV longitudinal strain and the cutoff values are still missing. Therefore, it would be difficult to draw the conclusion that LV mechanical dysfunction is more prevalent among men. The main mechanisms responsible for sex-related LV remodeling are sex hormones and their influence on biohumoral systems. This review provides an updated overview of the available data about sex-related LV remodeling, as well as potential mechanisms for these changes, in the patients with arterial hypertension.

Aortic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in patients with controlled resistant and non-resistant hypertension

The purpose of the current study was to determine whether aortic blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness are greater in patients with controlled resistant hypertension (RHTN) than controlled non-resistant hypertension (non-RHTN) despite similar clinic BP level. Participants were recruited from University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hypertension Clinic. Controlled hypertension was defined as automated office BP measurement with BP < 135/85 mm Hg. A total of 141 participants were evaluated by pulse wave analysis (PWA) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Among them, 75 patients had controlled RHTN with use of 4 or more antihypertensive medications and 56 patients had controlled non-RHTN with use of 3 or less antihypertensive medications. Compared to patients with controlled non-RHTN, those with controlled RHTN were more likely to be African American and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure. The mean number of antihypertensive medications was greater in patients with controlled RHTN (4.4 ± 0.8 vs 2.3 ± 0.7, P < .001). Clinic brachial BP, aortic BP, augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index normalized for heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx@75) and cf-PWV were similar in both groups. In summary, there was no significant difference in central BP or arterial stiffness between patients with controlled RHTN and controlled non-RHTN. These findings suggest that the higher residual cardiovascular risk observed in patients with RHTN after achieving BP control compared to patients with more easily controlled hypertension is not likely attributable to persistent differences in central BP and arterial stiffness.

Arterial Stiffness Accelerates Within 1 Year of the Final Menstrual Period: The SWAN Heart Study

OBJECTIVE

Menopause may augment age-dependent increases in arterial stiffness, with black women having greater progression in midlife compared with white women. We sought to determine whether and when women experience changes in arterial stiffness relative to the final menstrual period (FMP) and whether these changes differ between black and white midlife women. Approach and Results: We evaluated 339 participants from the SWAN (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation) Heart Ancillary study (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation). Women had ≤2 carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV) exams over a mean±SD of 2.3±0.5 years of follow-up. Annual percentage changes in cfPWV were estimated in 3 time segments relative to FMP and compared using piecewise linear mixed-effects models. At baseline, women were 51.1±2.8 years of age and 36% black. Annual percentage change (95% CI) in cfPWV varied by time segments: 0.9% (-0.6% to 2.3%) for >1 year before FMP, 7.5% (4.1% to 11.1%) within 1 year of FMP, and -1.0% (-2.8% to 0.8%) for >1 year after FMP. Annual percentage change in cfPWV within 1 year of FMP was significantly greater than the other 2 time segments; P<0.05 for both comparisons. Adjusting for concurrent cardiovascular disease risk factors explained part of the change estimates but did not eliminate the difference. Black women had greater increase in cfPWV compared with white women in the first segment; P for interaction, 0.04.

CONCLUSIONS

The interval within 1 year of FMP is a critical period for women when vascular functional alterations occur. These findings underscore the importance of more intensive lifestyle modifications in women transitioning through menopause.

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

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

Clinical Correlates of Aortic Stiffness and Wave Amplitude in Black Men and Women in the Community

Background

Black individuals have greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than whites. Identifying CVD risk factors associated with abnormal aortic hemodynamics in blacks may optimize CVD prevention and treatment strategies.

Methods and Results

Jackson Heart Study participants underwent applanation tonometry (2011–2016) with assessment of carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV) and forward wave amplitude (FWA). CVD risk factors were assessed during examination 3 (2009–2012). We examined the association of risk factors with binary and continuous CFPWV and FWA in multivariable stepwise models. We evaluated for effect modification by sex to determine differential associations of risk factors with aortic hemodynamics in men and women. We examined 1322 individuals (mean age 66±11 years, 66% women). Age was strongly associated with elevated CFPWV (odds ratio, 4.76; 95% confidence interval, 3.84–5.89 [P<0.0001]) and FWA (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.98–2.69 [P<0.0001]). Men had greater odds of elevated CFPWV compared with women (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–2.13 [P=0.009]). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and use of antihypertensive medications were associated with elevated CFPWV and FWA (all P≤0.02). Additionally, total/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting glucose were associated with elevated CFPWV (both P≤0.002) and use of diabetes mellitus medications was associated with elevated FWA (P≤0.0001). We observed a steeper association of age and mean arterial pressure with unfavorable aortic hemodynamics in women than men.

Conclusions

In blacks in the community, differential CVD risk factors are associated with aortic stiffness and FWA. Future work may determine the impact of risk factor modification on abnormal central aortic hemodynamics and CVD outcomes.

Relations of Microvascular Function, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Aortic Stiffness in Blacks: The Jackson Heart Study

Background Blacks have more severe endothelial dysfunction and aortic stiffening as compared with whites. We aimed to investigate the association between aortic stiffness and microvascular function in the black community. Methods and Results We assessed the association between forearm vascular reactive hyperemia (an indicator of microvascular function) and aortic stiffness in 1458 black participants (N=965 [66% women]; mean age: 66±11 years) in the Jackson Heart Study. We evaluated 2 measures of aortic stiffness: brachial pulse pressure and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Using high-resolution ultrasound and Doppler, we evaluated brachial blood flow at baseline and during reactive hyperemia after 5 minutes of forearm ischemia. Multiple cardiovascular risk factors were significantly related to baseline and hyperemic brachial flow velocity. Women had lower baseline flow across the entire age spectrum. During hyperemia, we observed a significant age-sex interaction for flow velocity ( P=0.02). Female sex was protective against microvascular dysfunction among younger participants, but older women exhibited a greater attenuation of the hyperemic flow reserve. In multivariable models that adjusted for cardiovascular disease risk factors and mean arterial pressure, higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (β=-0.106±0.033; P=0.001 was related to lower baseline flow. However, during reactive hyperemia, elevated brachial pulse pressure (β=-0.070±0.031; P=0.03) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (β=-0.128±0.030; P<0.001) were both related to attenuated brachial flow velocity. Conclusions In a sample of blacks, higher aortic stiffness and pressure pulsatility were associated with lower flow reserve during reactive hyperemia, beyond changes attributable to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors alone.

Preclinical cardiac disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with and without metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is associated with preclinical cardiac disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is uncertain whether preclinical cardiac disease is present in patients with NAFLD without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

OBJECTIVE

To explore preclinical cardiac disease in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

A total of 64 patients with NAFLD, based on computed tomography scans liver attenuation, were identified. A control group, matched to age and gender, comprising of 94 patients was also drafted. Finally, two additional groups of patients with metabolic syndrome, with (n = 40) and without (n = 74) NAFLD, were also identified. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other concomitant liver diseases were excluded from the NAFLD group. Echocardiograms of all groups were reviewed.

RESULTS

Severe NAFLD compared to control was associated with a higher left ventricular mass after normalization for height^2.7 (LVMHt^2.7) (95% CI = 0.39, 12.92) and lower ratio of peak "E" (early) and "A" (late) diastolic ventricular filling velocities (E/A) - 0.39 (95% CI = -0.58, -0.19). Patients with metabolic syndrome (95% CI = 0.02, 0.09), metabolic syndrome with NAFLD (95% CI = 0.02, 0.08), or severe NAFLD (95% CI = 0.02, 0.09) compared to control was associated with a higher relative wall thickness (RWT).

CONCLUSION

Healthy adults with NAFLD without metabolic syndrome, after adjusting for body mass index, demonstrated significant echocardiographic changes. Our results show that NAFLD is associated with preclinical cardiac disease, and this association is independent of traditional risk factors like systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology: Why Women Are Overrepresented in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Consistent epidemiological data demonstrate that patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are more likely to be women than men. Exploring mechanisms behind this sex difference in heart failure epidemiology may enrich the understanding of underlying HFpEF pathophysiology and phenotypes, with the ultimate goal of identifying therapeutic approaches for the broader HFpEF population. In this review we evaluate the influence of sex on the key domains of cardiac structure and function, the systemic and pulmonary circulation, as well as extracardiac factors and comorbidities that may explain the predisposition of women to HFpEF. We highlight the potential role of factors exclusive to or more prevalent in women such as pregnancy, preeclampsia, and iron deficiency. Finally, we discuss existing controversies and gaps in knowledge, as well as the clinical importance of known sex differences in the context of the potential need for sex-specific diagnostic criteria, improved risk stratification models, and targeted therapies.

Sex-Related Differences in Photoplethysmography Signals Measured From Finger and Toe

Sex plays an important role in the normal cardiovascular system function including resting heart rate and arterial blood pressure. In addition, it has been reported that men and women are at different levels of risk for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the temporal and morphological features of both finger and toe photoplethysmography (PPG), and anthropometric and biological parameters with respect to sex. A customized PPG and electrocardiography (ECG) combo device was developed to measure the signals of interest. ECG/PPG features in addition to subjects’ information were compared regarding finger and toe PPGs. Eighty-eight subjects participated in the study. Linear regression and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis. Our results revealed that pulse arrival time (PAT), pulse transit time (PTT), systolic pulse transit time (SPTT), and the ratio of areas under the PPG waveform from the onset to the inflection point and the inflection point to the end of the waveform (S2/S1), are dependent on sex. The highest dependence was shown for the finger PTT while the toe PTT did not indicate any significant dependence on sex. This is the first study that evaluates the effect of sex on cardiovascular system function using finger and toe PPG based features which can help to understand sex-based risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and to improve related disease management and treatments.

Impact of Sex on Ventricular-Vascular Stiffness and Long-Term Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: TOPCAT Trial Substudy

Background

Women have higher vascular stiffness with aging. The aim of this study was to characterize sex differences in vascular and ventricular structure and function, and to investigate the impact on the primary outcome in the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial).

Methods and Results

Data from the Americas cohort of the TOPCAT trial were analyzed. Patients with echocardiography (n=654) were compared according to sex, and achievement of the primary end point (a composite of death from cardiovascular causes and heart failure hospitalization) assessed. Echocardiography revealed higher arterial, systolic, and diastolic ventricular elastance and worse ventricular‐vascular coupling in women. Women had better overall survival and heart failure hospitalization outcomes (hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.98, P=0.034), however, determinants of achievement of the primary outcome differed between the sexes. Pulse pressure was a key determinant of outcome in women (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1–1.09, P=0.034) whereas in men heart rate (hazard ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.02–2.52 per 10 mm Hg increase, P=0.04) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (hazard ratio 1.01, 95% CI 1–1.02 per 10 ng/mL increase P=0.02) were associated with poorer outcome.

Conclusions

Outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction appear to be differentially influenced by key physiological factors that vary according to sex. In women, ventricular‐vascular stiffening was the most significant determinant of outcome, whereas in men overall survival was influenced by heart rate and B‐type natriuretic peptide; this highlights key sex differences in the pathophysiology and outcomes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and warrants further exploration.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.

Doppler indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in relation to haemodynamic load components in a general population

BACKGROUND

The contribution of central pulsatility to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction might be mediated by the haemodynamic loads of forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) pulse waves. We investigated the relation between echocardiographic indexes of LV function and pulsatile loads derived by wave separation analysis (WSA).

METHODS

In 755 participants, we assessed LV dimensions, transmitral blood flow and mitral annular tissue velocities. We derived central pulse pressure (cPP) from radial tonometric recordings and calculated Pf, Pb and their ratio (reflection magnitude) using an automated, pressure-based WSA algorithm. Despite good quality recordings, WSA failed to derive Pf and Pb in 139 participants (18.4%), in particular in older women with unfavourable haemodynamics. Thus, our analysis included 616 participants (46.1% women; mean age, 49.2 years).

RESULTS

Age and age explained most of the variance in cPP (36.9%), Pf (18.6%), Pb (41.5%) and reflection magnitude (36.7%; P < 0.0001) and altered the direct correlation between Pf and Pb (Pint < 0.0001). Haemodynamic loads were independently associated with sex, BMI, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, history of diabetes and use of antihypertensive drugs. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, transmitral velocities and E/e' ratio increased with higher cPP, Pf and Pb in men and women. We also observed an age-dependent association of LV radial strain with cPP, Pf and Pb.

CONCLUSION

The commercial WSA algorithm holds limited clinical utility given its low feasibility in older participants with unfavourable haemodynamics. LV function indexes were similarly associated with Pf and Pb, favouring the use of the composite cPP for prediction of LV dysfunction.