Association of arterial stiffness with coronary flow reserve in revascularized coronary artery disease patients

Arterial Stiffness and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is prevalent and associated with a poor prognosis, imposing a significant burden on society. Arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, affecting diagnosis, management, and prognosis. As a hallmark of vascular aging, arterial stiffness contributes to increased afterload on the left ventricle (LV), leading to diastolic dysfunction, a key feature of HFpEF. Elevated arterial stiffness is linked with common cardiovascular risk factors in HFpEF, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, exacerbating the progression of disease. Studies have demonstrated that patients with HFpEF exhibit significantly higher levels of arterial stiffness compared to those without HFpEF, highlighting the value of arterial stiffness measurements as both diagnostic and prognostic tools. Moreover, interventions aimed at reducing arterial stiffness, whether through pharmacological therapies or lifestyle modifications, have shown potential in improving LV diastolic function and patient outcomes. Despite these advancements, the precise mechanisms by which arterial stiffness contributes to HFpEF are still not fully understood, necessitating the need for further research.

Left Ventricular-Arterial Coupling as an Independent Predictor of Adverse Events in Young Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction-A 3D Echocardiographic Study

Left ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) is a key determinant of global cardiovascular performance, calculated as the ratio between arterial elastance (EA) and left ventricular end-systolic elastance (EES). Over the years, acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) has remained an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although, until recently, it was considered a disease occurring mostly in older patients, its prevalence in the young population is continuously rising. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of 3D VAC and its derived indices in predicting adverse outcomes in young patients with STEMI. We prospectively enrolled 84 young patients (18-51 years) with STEMI who underwent primary PCI and 28 healthy age and sex-matched controls. A 3D echocardiography was used for non-invasive measurements of end-systolic elastance (EES), arterial elastance (EA), and VAC (EA/EES). The occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was assessed one year after the index STEMI. Out of 84 patients, 15.4% had adverse events at 12 months follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of MACE. There were no significant differences in arterial elastance between the two groups. EA was higher in the MACE group but without statistical significance (2.65 vs. 2.33; p = 0.09). EES was significantly lower in the MACE group (1.25 ± 0.34 vs. 1.91 ± 0.56. p < 0.0001) and VAC was higher (2.2 ± 0.62 vs. 1.24 ± 0.29, p < 0.0001). ROC analysis showed that VAC has a better predictive value for MACE (AUC 0.927) compared with EA or EEA but also compared with a classical determinant of LV function (LVEF and LVGLS). A VAC value over 1.71 predicts unfavourable outcome with 83.3% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity. In both univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, VAC remained an independent predictor for MACE and demonstrated incremental prognostic value over LVEF and LVGLS in the proposed statistical models. In conclusion, 3D VAC is an independent predictor of adverse events in young patients with STEMI at a 12 month follow-ups and could be used for a more accurate risk stratification in the acute phase.

Aortic Biomechanics and Clinical Applications

The aorta contributes to cardiovascular physiology and function. Understanding biomechanics in health, disease, and after aortic interventions will facilitate optimization of perioperative patient care.

Physical activity is important for cardiovascular health and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with psoriasis

Background

Patients with psoriasis have a level of physical activity below that recommended for cardiovascular health, which is significantly limited by disease severity and other psoriasis‐specific barriers. We hypothesized that physical activity is important for cardiovascular health in patients with psoriasis and that its objective measurement could have clinical utility.

Aim

To explore whether physical activity influences the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

In total, 242 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited. History, examination and physical activity were assessed and arteriography, the noninvasive measurement of arterial function, was performed for each participant.

Results

We observed a significant relationship between volume of physical activity and the likelihood of future CVD as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV; P < 0.02). We identified a significant relationship between the diastolic reflection area (DRA) and health‐promoting levels of physical activity (P < 0.001), in addition to a significant correlation between DRA and the likelihood of future CVD (P < 0.001). The DRA is a complex, dimensionless variable that describes the intensity of diastolic wave reflection and the duration of diastole, which are key determinants of the blood supply to the left ventricle. Our data suggest that DRA may represent a surrogate marker for cardiorespiratory fitness.

Conclusion

Our study describes a significant relationship between exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness and PWV, a preclinical indicator of future CVD risk, in patients with psoriasis. The DRA offers a noninvasive, objective measurement of exercise adherence, which could have clinical utility in the future.

Diastolic dysfunction in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease: Mechanistic insight from magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is prevalent in women and is associated with increased risk of developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the mechanism(s) contributing to this progression remains unclear. Given that diastolic dysfunction is common in women with INOCA, defining mechanisms related to diastolic dysfunction in INOCA could identify therapeutic targets to prevent HFpEF.

METHODS

Cardiac MRI was performed in 65 women with INOCA and 12 reference controls. Diastolic function was defined by left ventricular early diastolic circumferential strain rate (eCSRd). Contributors to diastolic dysfunction were chosen a priori as coronary vascular dysfunction (myocardial perfusion reserve index [MPRI]), diffuse myocardial fibrosis (extracellular volume [ECV]), and aortic stiffness (aortic pulse wave velocity [aPWV]).

RESULTS

Compared to controls, eCSRd was lower in INOCA (1.61 ± 0.33/s vs. 1.36 ± 0.31/s, P = 0.016); however, this difference was not exaggerated when the INOCA group was sub-divided by low and high MPRI (P > 0.05) nor was ECV elevated in INOCA (29.0 ± 1.9% vs. 28.0 ± 3.2%, control vs. INOCA; P = 0.38). However, aPWV was higher in INOCA vs. controls (8.1 ± 3.2 m/s vs. 6.1 ± 1.5 m/s; P = 0.045), and was associated with eCSRd (r = -0.50, P < 0.001). By multivariable linear regression analysis, aPWV was an independent predictor of decreased eCSRd (standardized β = -0.39, P = 0.003), as was having an elevated left ventricular mass index (standardized β = -0.25, P = 0.024) and lower ECV (standardized β = 0.30, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide mechanistic insight into diastolic dysfunction in women with INOCA, identifying aortic stiffness and ventricular remodeling as putative therapeutic targets.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels, endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), can exert proinflammatory as well as proatherogenic properties on the vascular wall. The current study sought to evaluate the influence of high Lp-PLA2 levels on indices of arterial wall properties in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

Three hundred seventy-four consecutive patients with stable CAD (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 89% males) were enrolled in this single-center cross-sectional study. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used to assess endothelial function and augmentation index (AIx) of the central aortic pressure was used to assess reflected waves. ELISA was used to determine Lp-PLA2 serum levels.

RESULTS

After dividing the participants in 3 equal groups based on the tertiles of circulating Lp-PLA2 values, no significant differences were demonstrated between those in the 3rd tertile with Lp-PLA2 values > 138 μg/L, in the 2nd tertile with Lp-PLA2 values between 101 and 138 μg/L and in the 1st tertile (Lp-PLA2 values < 101 μg/L) regarding age, male gender, smoking habits, family history of CAD or history of a previous myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, duration of CAD and treatment with relevant medication. Importantly, subjects with Lp-PLA2 values in the highest tertile, had significantly reduced FMD values compared to the middle and lower tertile (4.43 ± 2.37% vs. 4.61 ± 1.97% vs. 5.20 ± 2.52% respectively, P = 0.03). Patients in the highest tertile of Lp-PLA2 values had significantly higher AIx values (24.65 ± 8.69% vs. 23.33 ± 9.65%, P = 0.03), in comparison to the lowest tertile, with Lp-PLA2 values < 101 μg/L. A linear regression analysis showed that Lp-PLA2 values > 138 μg/L negatively correlated to FMD [b = - 0.45 (95% CI: - 0.79 - -0.11), P = 0.01] and AIx values [b = 1.81 (95% CI: 0.57-3.05), P < 0.001] independently of cofounders like gender, age, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking habits, family history of CAD, history of previous myocardial infarction, serum glucose, circulating lipid levels, duration of CAD, antihypertensive medication, antidiabetic drugs, statin therapy and treatment with β-blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels relate to endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with stable CAD independently from classical risk factors for CAD, statin use, antihypertensive treatment, and duration of the disease.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Aging and Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes sex-related changes in the heart and vasculature that occur with aging, both in the presence and absence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

RECENT FINDINGS

In the presence of CVD risk factors and/or overt CVD, sex-specific changes in the number of cardiomyocytes, extent of the myocardial extracellular matrix, and myocellular hypertrophy promote unique patterns of LV remodeling in men and women. In addition, age- and sex-specific vascular stiffening is also well established, driven by changes in endothelial dysfunction, elastin-collagen content, microvascular dysfunction, and neurohormonal signaling. Together, these changes in LV chamber geometry and morphology, coupled with heightened vascular stiffness, appear to drive both age-related increases in systolic function and declines in diastolic function, particularly in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, estrogen has been implicated as a key mediator, given its direct vasodilating properties, association with nitric oxide excretion, and involvement in myocellular Ca2+ handling, mitochondrial energy production, and oxidative stress. The culmination of the abovementioned sex-specific cardiac and vascular changes across the lifespan provides important insight into heart failure development, particularly of the preserved ejection fraction variety, while offering promise for future preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches.

Balance between oxygen transport and blood rheology during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock with polymerized bovine hemoglobin

Alternatives to blood for use in transfusion medicine have been investigated for decades. An ideal alternative should improve oxygen (O₂)-carrying capacity and O₂ delivery and support microvascular blood flow. Previous studies have shown that large-molecular diameter hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) based on polymerized bovine Hb (PolybHb) reduce the toxicity and vasoconstriction of first-generation HBOCs by increasing blood and plasma viscosity and preserving microvascular perfusion. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of PolybHb concentration and therefore O₂-carrying capacity and solution viscosity on resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock in rats. PolybHb was diafiltered on a 500-kDa tangential flow filtration (TFF) module to remove low-molecular weight (MW) PolybHb molecules from the final product. Rats were hemorrhaged and maintained in hypovolemic shock for 30 min before transfusion of PolybHb at 10 g/dL (PHB10), 5 g/dL (PHB5), or 2.5 g/dL (PHB2.5) concentration, to restore blood pressure to 90% of the animal's baseline blood pressure. Resuscitation restored blood pressure and cardiac function in a PolybHb concentration-dependent manner. Parameters indicative of the heart's metabolic activity indicated that the two higher PolybHb concentrations better restored coronary O₂ delivery compared with the low concentration evaluated. Markers of organ damage and inflammation were highest for PHB10, whereas PHB5 and PHB2.5 showed similar expression of these markers. These studies indicate that a concentration of ~5 g/dL of PolybHb may be near the optimal concentration to restore cardiac function, preserve organ function, and mitigate the toxicity of PolybHb during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Large-molecular diameter polymerized bovine hemoglobin avoided vasoconstriction and impairment of cardiac function during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock that was seen with previous hemoglobin-based O₂ carriers by increasing blood viscosity in a concentration-dependent manner. Supplementation of O₂-carrying capacity played a smaller role in maintaining cardiac function than increased blood and plasma viscosity.

Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors, and Their Combination on Endothelial Glycocalyx, Arterial Function, and Myocardial Work Index in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After 12-Month Treatment

Background We investigated the effects of insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), and their combination on vascular and cardiac function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods and Results A total of 160 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to insulin (n=40), liraglutide (n=40), empagliflozin (n=40), or their combination (GLP-1RA+SGLT-2i) (n=40) as add-on to metformin. We measured at baseline and 4 and 12 months posttreatment: (a) perfused boundary region of the sublingual arterial microvessels (marker of endothelial glycocalyx thickness), (b) pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central systolic blood pressure, (c) global left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain, (d) myocardial work index (global work index) derived by pressure-myocardial strain loops using speckle tracking imaging. Twelve months posttreatment, all patients improved perfused boundary region, PWV, global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, and global radial strain (P<0.05). GLP-1RA, SGLT-2i, and their combination showed a greater reduction of perfused boundary region, PWV, and central systolic blood pressure than insulin, despite a similar glycosylated hemoglobin reduction (P<0.05). GLP-1RA or GLP-1RA+SGLT-2i provided a greater increase of global work index (12.7% and 17.4%) compared with insulin or SGLT-2i (3.1% and 2%). SGLT-2i or GLP-1RA and SGLT-2i showed a greater decrease of PWV (10.1% and 13%) and central and brachial systolic blood pressure than insulin or GLP-1RA (PWV, 3.6% and 8.6%) (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The dual therapy showed the greatest effect on measured markers in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <55% (P<0.05). Conclusions Twelve-month treatment with GLP-1RA, SGLT-2i, and their combination showed a greater improvement of vascular markers and effective cardiac work than insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The combined therapy as second line was superior to either insulin or GLP-1RA and SGLT-2i separately. Registration URL: https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03878706.

Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index

Arterial stiffness is an age-related disorder. In the medial layer of arteries, mechanical fracture due to fatigue failure for the pulsatile wall strain causes medial degeneration vascular remodeling. The alteration of extracellular matrix composition and arterial geometry result in structural arterial stiffness. Calcium deposition and other factors such as advanced glycation end product-mediated collagen cross-linking aggravate the structural arterial stiffness. On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction is a cause of arterial stiffness. The biological molecular mechanisms relating to aging are known to involve the progression of arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness further applies stress on large arteries and also microcirculation. Therefore, it is closely related to adverse outcomes in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a promising diagnostic tool for evaluating arterial stiffness. The principle is based on stiffness parameter β, which is an index intended to assess the distensibility of carotid artery. Stiffness parameter β is a two-dimensional technique obtained from changes of arterial diameter by pulse in one section. CAVI applied the stiffness parameter β to all of the arterial segments between heart and ankle using pulse wave velocity. CAVI has been commercially available for a decade and the clinical data of its effectiveness has accumulated. The characteristics of CAVI differ from other physiological tests of arterial stiffness due to the independency from blood pressure at the time of examination. This review describes the pathophysiology of arterial stiffness and CAVI. Molecular mechanisms will also be covered.

Noninvasive Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion in Different Blood Pressure Phenotypes and Its Association With Arterial Stiffness Indices

BACKGROUND

We investigated for the first time whether patients with recent-onset, uncomplicated hypertension and different hypertension phenotypes exhibit altered values of subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), a surrogate measure of myocardial perfusion that correlates with the ratio of subendocardial to subepicardial blood flow. We additionally explored whether SEVR correlates with arterial stiffness in a population free from the long-term effects of essential hypertension.

METHODS

Nontreated individuals free from any known health problems were classified as true hypertensives (THs), white-coat hypertensives (WCHs), masked hypertensives (MHs), and normotensives. SEVR was noninvasively calculated with applanation tonometry in the radial artery. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, central and peripheral pulse pressure (PP), augmentation index, and central systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) were assessed with applanation tonometry. Total arterial compliance index was calculated with impedance cardiography.

RESULTS

In a total of 150 participants, normotensive individuals exhibited the highest values of SEVR (162.9 ± 25.3%), whereas SEVR appeared to be similar in MHs (150.2 ± 22.1%), WCHs (148.1 ± 20.4%), and THs (149.9 ± 24.8%) (P = 0.017). In the univariate analysis, SEVR significantly correlated with central systolic BP, peripheral PP, and total arterial compliance index. The association between SEVR and both central (P = 0.017) and peripheral PP (P = 0.003) remained significant after adjustment for heart rate and other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

SEVR, an alternative tool to the invasive assessment of microvascular coronary perfusion, presents different values across patients with divergent BP phenotypes and correlated with arterial stiffness, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease. Future studies need to address the potential utility of this easily implementable marker as a screening test for myocardial ischemia.

The role of ventricular-arterial coupling in cardiac disease and heart failure: assessment, clinical implications and therapeutic interventions. A consensus document of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Aorta & Peripheral Vascular Diseases, European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, and Heart Failure Association

Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) plays a major role in the physiology of cardiac and aortic mechanics, as well as in the pathophysiology of cardiac disease. VAC assessment possesses independent diagnostic and prognostic value and may be used to refine riskstratification and monitor therapeutic interventions. Traditionally, VAC is assessed by the non-invasive measurement of the ratio of arterial (Ea) to ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees). With disease progression, both Ea and Ees may become abnormal and the Ea/Ees ratio may approximate its normal values. Therefore, the measurement of each component of this ratio or of novel more sensitive markers of myocardial (e.g. global longitudinal strain) and arterial function (e.g. pulse wave velocity) may better characterize VAC. In valvular heart disease, systemic arterial compliance and valvulo-arterial impedance have an established diagnostic and prognostic value and may monitor the effects of valve replacement on vascular and cardiac function. Treatment guided to improve VAC through improvement of both or each one of its components may delay incidence of heart failure and possibly improve prognosis in heart failure. In this consensus document, we describe the pathophysiology, the methods of assessment as well as the clinical implications of VAC in cardiac diseases and heart failure. Finally, we focus on interventions that may improve VAC and thus modify prognosis.

Arterial Stiffness is Related to Impaired Exercise Capacity in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and History of Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Augmented arterial stiffness and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease (CAD). The relationship between exercise capacity and arterial stiffness is independent of known influencing variables in CAD. This study aimed to analyse the interaction between exercise capacity, arterial stiffness and early vascular ageing in patients with CAD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 96 CAD patients with myocardial infarction (55.9±10.9years, 81 men) referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Arterial stiffness was assessed using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed to measure VO₂peak. Comparisons of VO₂peak across cf-PWV risk threshold values (high-risk cf-PWV≥10m/s) and tertile groups, and across cf-PWV threshold values and age groups (younger group<60 years) were performed. Correlation tests were used to study the association between pair of variables.

RESULTS

Patients with high-risk cf-PWV had lower VO₂peak than those with low-risk cf-PWV (p<0.001). VO₂peak decreased across tertiles of cf-PWV, showing significantly lower values in the third tertile (p<0.001). There were no differences in the VO₂peak between younger patients with high-risk cf-PWV and older patients irrespective of their cf-PWV values. VO₂peak showed an upward trend in younger patients with low-risk cf-PWV compared to their age-mates with high-risk cf-PWV (p=0.09). VO₂peak was strongly and inversely correlated with cf-PWV (r=-0.502, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffening is associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness in CAD patients with myocardial infarction. When its values are above risk threshold, exercise capacity is impaired regardless of the relationship between age and arterial stiffness.

Arterial stiffness and subendocardial viability ratio in patients with peripheral arterial disease

Arterial stiffening is a hallmark of the aging process and atherosclerosis, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We investigated the associations between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-fPWV), augmentation index corrected for heart rate (Aix@HR75), ankle brachial index (ABI), and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), an indicator of cardiac perfusion. The c-fPWV, Aix@HR75, and SEVR was estimated using applanation tonometry. The ankle systolic pressure measurements for the calculation of the ABI were obtained using an 8-mHz Doppler probe. The study group included 555 subjects, mean age 63 ± 11 years (248 PAD (ABI < 1.0), and 307 non-PAD (ABI ≥ 1.0 ≤ 1.3). After the stepwise selection process in both PAD and non-PAD patients SEVR was not related to c-fPWV and ABI (P = .154; P = .156) and (P = .101; P = .402), respectively. In PAD patients, SEVR was negatively related to Aix@HR75 (P < .0001) and aortic PP (P = .0005). In conclusion, arterial stiffness is associated with non-invasive indices of myocardial perfusion in PAD patients, suggesting a potential pathophysiological link for increased cardiovascular events.