Comparison of arterial stiffness in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women from a semi-rural region of South Africa

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. The pathophysiology of arterial tone in preeclampsia has not been well described in rural African population, where the incidence is higher. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare arterial tone of preeclamptic with pregnant normotensive women assessed with noninvasive techniques, using applanation tonometry with SphygmoCor. Method: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from Mthatha General Hospital complex Antenatal clinics during their third trimester. A hundred and twelve (112) normotensive and 85 preeclamptic women (PE) were recruited into the study. Arterial stiffness was assessed using applanation tonometry with SphygmoCor device; central aortic pressures, peripheral and central augmentation index (Alx), and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were then calculated. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA version 10 software. Results: Pulse wave velocity was significantly higher in preeclamptic than normotensive women (6.6 IQR 1.8 versus 5.0 IQR 1.2; p = 0.000).Central augmentation index corrected to heart rate of 75 was significant higher in preeclamptic than normotensives women (23.4 ± 12.4 versus 12.8 ± 12) with p < 0.002. Early-onset preeclampsia had significantly higher brachial diastolic blood pressure (87 IQR 79-101.5 versus 82 IQR 65-88; p = 0.0198) than late-onset preeclampsia. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that women of rural Eastern Cape with preeclampsia have increased pulse wave velocity and peripheral augmentation index. This shows that preeclamptic women from rural Eastern Cape of South Africa have increased arterial stiffness.     

Arterial stiffness is increased in healthy subjects with a positive family history of hypertension

Abstract

A positive family history of hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the value of pulse wave velocity (PWV) in healthy subjects with a positive family history of hypertension. 255 healthy subjects (M/F: 75/180) were divided into two groups according to without (group 1) or with (group 2) a positive family history of hypertension. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) was measured by Complior apparatus. Our results showed that CF-PWV was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (7.90?±?1.31 versus 7.32?±?1.15?m/s, p?<?0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Multiple linear regressions showed that age, family history, GLU, and MAP were independent influencing factors of CF-PWV in the entire study group. Our present study showed PWV is significantly higher in healthy subjects with a positive family history of hypertension. Family history might play an important role in this process.     

Arterial stiffness is associated with increase in blood pressure over time in treated hypertensives

Arterial stiffness is associated with incident hypertension. We hypothesized that measures of arterial stiffness would predict increases in systolic (SBP), mean (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP) over time in treated hypertensives. Blood pressure (BP) was measured a mean of 8.5 ± 0.9 years apart in 414 non-Hispanic white hypertensives (mean age, 60 ± 8 years; 55% women). The average of three supine right brachial BPs was recorded. Measures of arterial stiffness, including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx), and central pulse pressure (CPP), were obtained at baseline by applanation tonometry. We performed stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders to assess the associations of arterial stiffness parameters with BP changes over time. SBP, MAP, and PP increased in 80% of participants. After adjustment for covariates listed, cfPWV (m/s) was associated with increases in SBP (β ± standard error [SE], 0.71 ± 0.31) and PP (β ± SE, 1.09 ± 0.27); AIx (%) was associated with increases in SBP (β ± SE, 0.23 ± 0.10) and MAP (β ± SE, 0.27 ± 0.07); and CPP (mmHg) was associated with increases in SBP (β ± SE, 0.44 ± 0.07), MAP (β ± SE, 0.24 ± 0.05), and PP (β ± SE, 0.42 ± 0.06) over time (P ≤ .02 for each). In conclusion, arterial stiffness measures were associated with longitudinal increases in SBP, MAP, and PP in treated hypertensives.     

Advanced glycation end-products and arterial stiffness in hypertension

BACKGROUND: The formation of advanced glycation end-products is associated with arterial stiffness in experimental models and alagebrium (formerly known as ALT-711), an advanced glycation end-product cross-link breaker, has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness in elderly subjects. METHODS: We related plasma concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), measured using a noncompetitive immunoassay, and markers of aortic stiffness-pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), a measure of aortic wave reflection-in 46 subjects, aged 47 +/- 2 years, comprising 30 untreated hypertensive and 16 normotensive subjects. Results were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Plasma AGEs were significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects (7.8 +/- 1 v 3 +/- 1 mug/ml; P < .0001). There was a significant relationship between plasma AGEs and aortic PWV (r = 0.49, P < .01), but not with AIx. In a stepwise regression model age, plasma AGE levels, smoking status, and total cholesterol explained 67% of the variability in PWV. For AIx, the only variables that entered the model were age, gender, and heart rate (R(2) = 0.53, P < .0001) with no contribution from plasma AGEs. CONCLUSIONS: Concentration of plasma AGEs is significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects and related to aortic stiffness independent of age and blood pressure, with no relationship with aortic wave reflection. Plasma AGEs may play a blood pressure-independent role in large but not small vessel remodeling in essential hypertension.     

Measurement of pulse wave velocity,augmentation index,and central pulse pressure in atrial fibrillation: a proof of concept study

Individualized weighing of the risk benefit of anticoagulation is recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have low established risk scores or, conversely, are at increased risk for bleeding. Parameters of arterial stiffness and wave reflection could improve risk stratification, but their use has not been evaluated in arrhythmia. We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), central augmentation index (AI), and central pulse pressure (CPP) using the SphygmoCor system in 34 patients (53 to 85 years; 25 males) with AF before and after elective electrical cardioversion. Agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variation, completed with Bland–Altman plots. After cardioversion, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) decreased significantly by 8 mmHg and 18 bpm, respectively. PWV decreased from 11.8 m/s to 10.7 m/s, AI increased from 24% to 29%, and CPP rose from 38 mmHg to 43 mmHg. The decrease in PWV was related to the decrease in MAP (beta = 0.57; R² = 0.33; P < .001), whereas changes in AI and CPP were related to the decrease in HR (AI: beta = ?0.59; R² = 0.35; P < .001, CPP: beta = ?0.55; R² = 0.28; P = .001). After adjustment for changes in MAP and HR, reliability analysis showed an excellent agreement for PWV (ICC = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–0.95) but moderate agreement for AI (ICC = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.17–0.80). Excellent agreement was also found for CPP (ICC = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.72–0.95). Measurement of PWV and CPP is reliable in patients with AF, as they appear unaffected by the presence of arrhythmia.     

The levels of hemoglobin are positively associated with arterial stiffness in community-dwelling Chinese adults

Background and aimsHemoglobin (Hb) concentrations are known to be related to cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the association between Hb levels and arterial stiffness, as assessed by measurement of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).Methods and results3576 adults (2139 males and 1437 females) from the general Chinese population who had their physical check-ups in the health examination centers of Jiangmen Central Hospital were enrolled into the study. The anthropometrics and laboratory data as well as the baPWV and Hb levels were subsequently obtained. Age-adjusted partial correlation and multivariable stepwise linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between Hb and baPWV for men and women separately. In both sexes, Hb levels were positively associated with body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, uric acid and baPWV, but negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that Hb was significantly and independently associated with arterial stiffness in men (β = 0.043, 95% CI 0.010–0.077, p < 0.05) and women (β = 0.035, 95% CI 0.001–0.069, P < 0.05), after adjustment for confounding factors.ConclusionThe data indicate that high Hb concentration significantly correlate with increased baPWV in general Chinese population.     

Effect of angiotensin ii receptor blockade on arterial stiffness: beyond blood pressure reduction

We compared the effect of losartan (50 mg/day) to hydrochlorthiazide (12.5 mg/day) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in 11 untreated hypertensive patients aged 47 to 69 years in a 4-week single blind randomized crossover study with an intervening 4-week washout period. Both drugs produced a significant (P < .001) and similar decrease in brachial BP. Only losartan induced a significant decrease in arterial wave reflection (P < .0001), with a preferential reduction in aortic (P < .001) compared to brachial pulse pressure. Losartan also significantly increased pulse pressure amplification and reduced pulse wave velocity. These results suggest that an AT₁ receptor antagonist induces a BP independent decrease in aortic stiffness and arterial wave reflection.     

Evaluation of increased arterial stiffness in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis by augmentation index and pulse wave velocity analysis

With the increase in life expectancy, cardiovascular complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) have come to the forefront. Increased arterial stiffness is a marker of increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to compare both pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) measurements in children with CF and to compare them with healthy controls. We hypothesized that children with CF had increased arterial stiffness, although traditional risk factors for CVD were not observed. Forty‐four patients and age and sex‐matched 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Hemodynamic measurements were compared in both groups, together with traditional risk factors. Peripheral blood pressure parameters of CF and control groups were similar (P > .05). Bodyweight and BMI were significantly lower in the CF group (P < .001). Serum cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels were significantly lower in the CF group, whereas fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels were significantly higher than the control group (P < .05). Mean ± SD Aix was significantly higher in the CF group (33.22 ± 13.87%) compared with the control group (24.93 ± 10.58%), respectively (P < .05), while PWV was similar. No significant correlation between PWV and Aix and fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in both groups (P > .05). Children with CF have been shown to have increased arterial stiffness compared to healthy children. Although there are not many traditional risk factors, increased arterial stiffness have been demonstrated in children with CF. The effects of this process starting from childhood on the development of CVD in adulthood are not known. Therefore, further studies are needed.     

Arterial stiffness in elderly patients with normotension and hypertension in Brazil

Data on arterial stiffness in older populations, according to blood pressure (BP) levels, are scarce in Brazil. The objective of this study was to establish reference values for core measures of arterial stiffness, including carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV) and aortic augmentation index (AIx), in a cohort of older individuals with normotension (NT) and hypertension. Cross‐sectional analysis was performed with applanation tonometry data from 1192 patients aged 60 years or older. The authors classified patients according to their BP levels as having NT, controlled hypertension (CH), and uncontrolled hypertension (UH). The cf‐PWV values were 9.11 ± 0.16 m/s (NT), 9.12 ± 0.18 m/s (CH), and 9.42 ± 2.2 m/s (UH) (P < 0.005; UH vs NT and CH). The AIx was 33.3% for the entire cohort and similar across all groups. The cf‐PWV increased with age but reached a ceiling at 75 years. Compared with men, women had a higher AIx but similar cf‐PWV levels. In conclusion, the markers of arterial stiffness were similar among individuals with NT/CH and higher among individuals with UH.     

Arterial stiffness index: A new evaluation for arterial stiffness in elderly patients with essential hypertension

Background: Arterial stiffness is one of the predictors of cardiovascular event. Arterial stiffness is commonly measured by pulse wave velocity between the carotid and femoral arteries. Recently the arterial stiffness index which is measured by computerized oscillometry at the upper arm was developed. As this procedure is a convenient means of measuring pulse wave velocity, we considered it suitable to evaluate arterial stiffness in elderly patients. We evaluated this arterial stiffness index and compared it with other methods of evaluating arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients, including the elderly. Methods: Forty‐two patients with essential hypertension, including 26 subjects over 60 years old were enrolled. We evaluated the arterial stiffness index by computerized oscillometry, and also evaluated arterial stiffness between the carotid‐femoral artery and the brachial‐tibial artery, the second derivative of photoplethysmogram, the forearm vasodilator response to reactive hyperemia by strain‐gauge plethysmography. Results: Arterial stiffness index was positively correlated with pulse wave velocity between the carotid‐femoral artery (P < 0.0001; r = 0.579), the heart‐carotid artery (r = 0.454) and right brachial‐tibial artery (r = 0.549). It was also correlated with b/a (r = 0.474) and d/a (r = 0.568) by a second derivative of photoplethysmogram, but not correlated with a reactive vasodilator response. In elderly patients, arterial stiffness index was also correlated with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (P < 0.05; r = 0.456) but not correlated with a vasodilator response to reactive hyperemia. Conclusion: These data suggest that arterial stiffness index is correlated to common pulse wave velocity between the carotid and femoral arteries, so this index might be useful to evaluate arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients including the elderly.     

Arterial stiffness in black adults from Angola and Brazil

Ethnicity is an important determinant of blood pressure levels, being black individuals affected more than any other ethnic group. Arterial stiffening, an independent risk factor for hypertension, is also influenced by ethnicity. However, whether black individuals from different continents would have different patterns of arterial stiffening is still unknown. Thus, the authors aimed to compare pulse wave velocity (PWV) in black subjects living in Angola and Brazil. A total of 677 black individuals from two independent cross‐sectional studies conducted in Brazil and Angola were included in this analysis. Carotid‐to‐femoral PWV was measured following the same protocols for both studies, as well as clinical and anthropometric variables. Adjusted PWV was higher in Brazilian blacks than in Angolans, regardless of sex (men from Brazil: 10.7 ± 1.8 vs men from Angola: 9.9 ± 1.8 m/s, P < .001; women from Brazil: 10.3 ± 1.5 vs women from Angola: 9.2 ± 1.3 m/s, P < .001). Although the cf‐PWV was higher in Brazilian blacks, the age‐related increase in cf‐PWV was higher in Angolan men compared to Brazilians, but not in women. SBP showed the strongest association with cf‐PWV, regardless of sex and country. However, age was associated with cf‐PWV in all groups, except in Brazilian men. Our results clearly show a difference in PWV between two black populations, and highlight for sex differences in the hemodynamic parameters that might affect blood pressure levels in these populations.     

单纯舒张期高血压患者动脉硬度的相关研究

目的探讨单纯舒张期高血压（IDH）与动脉硬度的关系。方法研究对象包括60例IDH患者（IDH组）、60例高血压患者（收缩压及舒张压均升高患者,为SDH组）及健康人58例（对照组）。测量及比较臂-踝脉搏波速度（baPWV）。结果三组间年龄、总胆固醇和血糖差异无统计学意义。体重指数及尿酸IDH组和SDH组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。SDH组baPWV值较IDH组高,但差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;IDH组baPWV值较对照组显著升高,差异有显著统计学意义（P＜0.01）;不同级别的IDH患者baPWV值差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 IDH患者动脉弹性降低,舒张压水平越高,动脉弹性降低越明显。     

Association between serum total homocysteine and arterial stiffness in adults: a community‐based study

Both increased arterial stiffness and higher total homocysteine (tHcy) are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between tHcy and arterial stiffness is still inconclusive. The authors aimed to test the relationship of tHcy with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and examine the possible effect modifiers in adults. A study was conducted from July to September 2016 in Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 16 644 participants were enrolled in the final analysis. Increased arterial stiffness is defined as a cfPWV ≥10 m/s. Overall, there was a positive association between tHcy and cfPWV levels (per 5‐μmol/L tHcy increase: β = 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.13) and increased arterial stiffness (per 5‐μmol/L tHcy increase: odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07–1.14). Compared with participants with tHcy <10 μmol/L, the significantly higher cfPWV levels were observed in those with tHcy ≥15 μmol/L (β = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.28–0.47). Accordingly, a higher prevalence of increased arterial stiffness was found in patients with tHcy10 to <15 μmol/L (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.33) and tHcy ≥15 μmol/L (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.32–1.71) as compared with participants with tHcy <10 μmol/L. Furthermore, the stronger positive association was found in participants who were older (≥60 years, P for interaction = .008), had low body mass index (<25 kg/m², P for interaction = .026), high systolic blood pressure levels (≥145 mm Hg [median], P for interaction = .048), or diabetes mellitus (P for interaction = .045). The present study demonstrated that serum tHcy concentrations were positively associated with cfPWV and the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness. These results suggest that the cardiovascular effects of tHcy may partly be mediated through arterial stiffness.     

无创动脉硬化检测最新进展

在心血管疾病中,动脉硬化是连接心血管危险因素和心血管事件的桥梁,及时识别判断动脉硬化程度已成为预防事件的重点。脉搏波传导速度作为重要的检测手段已被广泛接受,在通过监测血压来判断动脉硬化程度的研究中,动态动脉硬化指数逐渐被国内外研究人员所认可,不仅证实了其与高血压靶器官损害的相关性,其对事件的预测价值也得到肯定,而作为动态动脉硬化指数的改进指标的对称性动态动脉硬化指数消除了杓形曲线对指标的影响,有更广阔的临床科研应用前景。     

Association of glomerular filtration rate with arterial stiffness in Chinese women with normal to mildly impaired renal function

Objective Both decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and arterial stiffness were considered as risk factors for atherosclerosis. Previous studies have suggested the association between central arterial stiffness and the degree of GFR loss. Whether decreased GFR contributes to peripheral artery stiffness remains controversial. Moreover, data analyzed from a cohort of Chinese women are rare. Our aim was to explore the relationship between GFR and regional arterial stiffness in Chinese women. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we randomly recruited 1131 adult women residents with GFR ≥ 60 mL/minutes per 1.73 m2 estimated by the Chinese Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation from three large communities. Central and peripheral arterial stiffness were estimated simultaneously by measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) and carotid-radial PWV (PWVcr) using a validated automatic device. Augmentation Index at heart rate 75 beats/min (AIx-75) was measured by pulse wave analysis as a composite parameter reflecting both large and distal arterial properties. Results The mean estimated GFR (eGFR) of the study group was 100.05 ± 23.26 mL/minute per 1.73 m2. Subjects were grouped by tertiles of eGFR level. PWVcf and AIx-75 increased ongoing from the top to the bottom eGFR tertile, while the values of PWVcr were comparable. Both univariate Pearson correlations and multiple stepwise regression analyses showed that eGFR significantly correlated to PWVcf, but not to PWVcr and AIx-75. Conclusions In Chinese women with normal to mildly impaired renal function, decreased eGFR affected carotid-to-femoral rather than carotid-to-radial stiffening. This provides rational to conduct future prospective studies to investigate predictors of atherosclerosis in this population.     

Arterial Stiffness is Associated with Intracranial Arterial Stenosis other than Dolichoectasia in the General Population

Aims: The relationship between central arterial stiffness and aging-related intracranial arteriopathy is not well investigated in the general population. In a population-based study, we investigated arterial stiffness in relation to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and intracranial arterial dolichoectasia.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis on 1,123 subjects (aged 56.0 ± 9.3 years, 37.9% men) of the population-based Shunyi study in China. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and intracranial arterial dolichoectasia were evaluated via brain magnetic resonance angiography. Multivariate regression models were constructed to investigate the association between baPWV and intracranial large artery diseases.Results: Increased baPWV was significantly associated with higher prevalence of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (odds ratio for the highest quartile of baPWV compared with the lowest quartile, 3.66 [95% confidence interval, 1.57–8.54]), after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate analysis. BaPWV was not associated with the presence of basilar artery dolichoectasia and dilation of basilar artery and internal carotid artery. When the diameters of intracranial arteries were regarded as continuous variables, increased baPWV was inversely related to the internal carotid artery diameter in fully adjusted models (β ± SE, −0.083 ± 0.042, p = 0.047).Conclusions: This population-based study demonstrates that arterial stiffness was more likely associated with intracranial stenotic arteriopathy other than intracranial dilative arteriopathy.     

The Relationship Between Some of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Arterial Stiffness Parameters in Essentially Hypertensive Patients

Hypertensive patients have strong evidence of endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to explore the relationships between cardiovascular risk factors and arterial stiffness parameters in hypertensive patients. The study population included 109 hypertensive patients (63 females, 46 males). Arterial stiffness measures including pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and central aortic pressure were applied. Augmentation index and central aortic pressure were found to be significantly higher (P < .001 and P = .03, respectively) in women. The higher augmentation index and central aortic pressure values were observed in women than in men. These data offer new evidences for the role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in women.     

Arterial stiffness and wave reflection: Biomarkers of cardiovascular risk

Arterial stiffness and excessive pressure pulsatility have emerged as important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness increases with age and in the presence of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders. Pathologic stiffening of large arteries with advancing age and risk factor exposure predominantly involves the elastic aorta and carotid arteries, whereas stiffness changes are relatively limited in muscular arteries. Aortic stiffening is associated with increased pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure, which are related but distinct measures of the pulsatile energy content of the pressure waveform. A dramatic increase in pulsatile energy content of pressure and flow waves in the arterial system places considerable pulsatile stress on the heart, large arteries and distal circulation. Large artery stiffening is associated with abnormalities in microvascular structure and function that may contribute to tissue damage, particularly in susceptible high flow organs such as the brain and kidneys. This brief review summarizes results of recent research on risk factors for and adverse effects of large artery stiffening.