Relationship between outcome and baseline blood pressure and other haemodynamic measures in acute ischaemic stroke: data from the TAIST trial

BACKGROUND: A poor outcome after stroke is associated independently with high blood pressure during the acute phase; however, relationships with other haemodynamic measures [heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), rate-pressure product (RPP)] remain less clear. METHODS: The Tinzaparin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Trial is a randomised, controlled trial assessing the safety and efficacy of tinzaparin versus aspirin in 1484 patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR measurements taken immediately prior to randomization were averaged, and the mid-blood pressure (MBP), PP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure index, and RPP were calculated. The relationship between these haemodynamic measures and functional outcome (death or dependency, modified Rankin Scale > 2) and early recurrent stroke, were studied with adjustment for baseline prognostic factors and treatment group. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) refer to a change in haemodynamic measure by 10 points. RESULTS: A poor functional outcome was associated with SBP (adjusted OR; 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21), HR (adjusted OR; 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.31), MBP (adjusted OR; 1.15, 95% CI, 1.03-1.29), PP (adjusted OR; 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.26), MAP (adjusted OR; 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31) and RPP (adjusted OR; 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02). Early recurrent stroke was associated with SBP, DBP, MBP and MAP. CONCLUSIONS: A poor outcome is independently associated with elevations in blood pressure, HR and their derived haemodynamic variables, including PP and the RPP. Agents that modify these measures may improve functional outcome after stroke.     

中老年自然人群脉压和亚临床颈动脉粥样硬化的关联研究

目的 研究中国中老年自然人群脉压水平与颈动脉粥样硬化的关联。方法 2002年9月对北京石景山区43-73岁农村居民1198人进行心血管病危险因素调查及颈动脉超声检查。根据该人群脉压三分位数水平将其分为三组,脉压<45.3 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 k Pa),45.3-59.3mm Hg,>59.3 mm Hg。结果 (1)随着脉压水平的升高,颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)呈现明显上升趋势。调整年龄、体重指数(BMI)、血清总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、血糖和是否吸烟,脉压与IMT的回归系数是0.001,P<0.01。进一步调整收缩压(SBP),脉压与IMT不再相关。同样调整舒张压(DBP),脉压仍与IMT显著相关。(2)斑块检出率随着脉压水平升高而增加。调整年龄、TC、HDL-C、血糖和是否吸烟,与脉压<45.3 mm Hg组相比,脉压>59.3 mm Hg组女性检出斑块的比值比(OR)达2.5(95％CI:1.6,4.1);继续调整DBP,脉压最高三分位组女性OR为2.7(95％CI:1.6~4.5);同样调整SBP之后,OR失去统计学显著性。在上述分析过程中,各组男性检出斑块的危险亦随脉压升高呈增加趋势,但无统计学意义。结论 脉压在自然人群发生颈动脉粥样硬化过程中可能发挥一定作用。     

Associations of blood pressure with carotid intima-media thickness in elderly Finns with diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of ultrasonographic manifestations of carotid atherosclerosis with systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) in 65-year-old Finns drawn from a population-based cohort. Carotid ultrasonographic measurements were performed on 54 diabetic subjects, 97 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 57 normoglycaemic subjects (NGT). The subjects were classified into four quartiles of SBP, DBP and PP. SBP, DBP, PP and the use of antihypertensive drugs increased along with the deterioration of glucose status. The maximal intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) from the lowest to the highest quartiles of SBP was 0.98+/-0.34, 1.00+/-0.35, 1.03+/-0.29, 1.18+/- 0.52 mm (P=0.038), respectively. SBP was higher (161+/-22 mmHg) in the subjects with severe intima-media thickening (maximal IMT CCA > or =1.2 mm) than in those with maximal IMT CCA of <1.2 mm (153+/- 20 mmHg) (P=0.030). DBP and PP tended to be higher in the former than the latter group (DBP: 89+/-9 mmHg vs 86+/-9 mmHg, P=0.055 and PP: 72+/-18 mmHg vs 67+/-17 mmHg, P=0.159). The prevalence of severe intima-media thickening was 39% in the subjects in the highest SBP quartile (> or =170 mmHg) and 20% in the subjects with lower SBP (P=0.008). In multiple regression analysis, the adjusted OR for severe intima-media thickening was 2.9 (95% CI 1.1-7.9) in the subjects in the highest SBP quartile compared to the subjects with lower SBP. In the present study, high SBP was associated with severe carotid intima-media thickening. We suggest that the results can be generalized to apply to elderly Finnish subjects with DM and IGT, but not to normoglycaemic subjects, on the basis of this study.     

High blood pressure is inversely related with the presence and extent of coronary collaterals

Patients with hypertension have an increased case fatality during acute myocardial infarction (MI). Coronary collateral (CC) circulation has been proposed to reduce the risk of death during acute ischaemia. We determined whether and to which degree high blood pressure (BP) affects the presence and extent of CC circulation. A cross-sectional study in 237 patients (84% males), admitted for elective coronary angioplasty between January 1998 and July 2002, was conducted. Collaterals were graded with Rentrop's classification (grade 0-3). CC presence was defined as Rentrop-grade > or =1. BP was measured twice with an inflatable cuff manometer in seated position. Pulse pressure was calculated by systolic blood pressure (SBP)-diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Mean arterial pressure was calculated by DBP+1/3 x (SBP-DBP). Systolic hypertension was defined by a reading > or =140 mmHg. We used logistic regression with adjustment for putative confounders. SBP (odds ratio (OR) 0.86 per 10 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-1.00), DBP (OR 0.67 per 10 mmHg; 95% CI 0.49-0.93), mean arterial pressure (OR 0.73 per 10 mmHg; 95% CI 0.56-0.94), systolic hypertension (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.26-0.94), and antihypertensive treatment (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.27-1.02), each were inversely associated with the presence of CCs. Also, among patients with CCs, there was a graded, significant inverse relation between levels of SBP, levels of pulse pressure, and collateral extent. There is an inverse relationship between BP and the presence and extent of CC circulation in patients with ischaemic heart disease.     

老年人外周动脉粥样硬化与冠心病的相关性

目的 探讨老年人外周动脉粥样硬化与冠心病的相关性. 方法 选择拟行冠状动脉造影的老年住院患者152例,年龄62～91岁.于冠状动脉造影前1周内行颈动脉和股动脉超声检查.分别测量颈动脉和股动脉内膜-中膜厚度(IMT)、斑块总面积及颈动脉斑块总积分,并判断颈动脉粥样硬化分型,冠心病病变的程度和范围以冠状动脉病变支数及Gensini积分表示. 结果颈动脉IMT、斑块发生率、斑块总面积及斑块总积分在冠心病单支病变组(16例)分别为(0.93±0.10)mm、61.3%、(0.58±0.11)mm~2及(3.82±2.11)分;双支病变组(41例)分别为(0.92±0.14)mm、72.5%、(1.57±0.37)mm~2及(4.59±3.39)分;3支病变组(72例)分别为(0.95±0.11)mm、87.3%、(1.88±0.15)mm~2及(6.67±5.90)分;非冠心病组(23例)分别为(0.81±0.13)mm、42.7%、(0.28±0.69)mm~2及(1.83±1.65)分.股动脉IMT、斑块发生率及斑块总面积在冠心病单支病变组分别为(0.97±0.11)mm、38.3%及(0.24±0.26)mm~2;双支病变组分别为(1.07±0.15)mm、57.9%及(0.51±0.21)mm~2;3支病变组分别为(1.15±0.14)mm、59.5%及(0.59±0.23)mm~2;非冠心病组分别为(0.90±0.13)mm、26.8%及(0.20±0.17)mm~2.冠心病各组上述各项指标高于非冠心病组(均P<0.05),其中双支病变组和3支病变组颈动脉斑块总面积、股动脉斑块总面积及股动脉IMT高于单支病变组(均P<0.05),3支病变组颈动脉斑块总积分高于单支病变组和双支病变组(均P<0.05).相关分析结果表明.颈动脉粥样硬化分型、斑块总积分及面积与冠脉病变支数间呈正相关(r分别为0.282、0.307及0.494,均P<0.01);颈动脉粥样硬化斑块面积与Gensini积分呈正相关(r=0.472,P<0.01).股动脉IMT、斑块总面积与冠脉病变支数呈正相关(r分别为0.415及0.692,均P<0.01),与Gensini积分亦呈正相关(r分别为0.404、0.648,均P<0.01).颈动脉斑块总面积(OR=2.2;95%CI 0.79～2.46)、股动脉斑块总面积(OR=1.6;95%CI 0.28～1.35)及股动脉IMT(OR=1.6;95% CI 1.20～15.10)是冠状动脉Gensini积分的独立预测因子. 结论 超声检查结果评价老年人外周动脉粥样硬化与冠心病的严重程度相关.     

Age-dependent associations between blood pressure and coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic adults

OBJECTIVE: The age-dependent roles of the components of blood pressure (BP) in the development of coronary artery calcification (CAC) are poorly understood. DESIGN: We examined systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) as predictors of CAC in 830 asymptomatic, non-diabetic participants in a community-based study who were aged > or = 30 years and free of antihypertensive therapy or known cardiovascular disease. METHODS: CAC was measured with electron beam computed tomography. Tobit regression was used in two age groups (< 50 years and > or = 50 years) to evaluate the relationship of BP components with presence and quantity of CAC, adjusting for traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. RESULTS: Among those aged < 50 years, CAC was positively associated with SBP, DBP and MAP, considering each pressure individually and DBP was the strongest predictor (P = 0.0088). Among those aged > or = 50 years, CAC was positively associated with SBP (P = 0.0257) and PP (P = 0.0028), considered individually. When SBP and DBP were in the same model, presence and CAC quantity were positively associated with SBP (P = 0.0024) and negatively with DBP (P = 0.0401), favoring PP as the best predictor of CAC. CONCLUSIONS: SBP, DBP and PP have age-dependent roles in the prediction of CAC similar to their roles in prediction of future CAD events. These observations provide new evidence supporting the measurement of CAC as a surrogate of target organ disease and subsequently, as a predictor of increased risk of future CAD events.     

Blood pressure variables and prevalent electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in sub‐Saharan African individuals with type 2 diabetes

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether brachial blood pressure (BP) variables (systolic BP [SBP], diastolic BP [DBP], pulse [PP] and mean arterial pressure [MAP]) are similar determinants of prevalent electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in sub‐Saharan Africans with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: The study included 420 individuals (49% men) with T2D who were receiving chronic care in two main referral centers in the two major cities (Douala and Yaounde) of Cameroon. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for a standard deviation (SD) higher level of SBP (25 mmHg), DBP (13), PP (18) and MAP (20) with the risk of LVH. Discrimination was assessed and compared with c‐statistics and relative integrated discrimination improvement (RIDI; %). Results: The multivariable adjusted OR (95% CI) for prevalent LVH with each SD higher pressure variable was 1.61 (1.22–2.11) for SBP, 1.27 (0.99–1.63) for DBP, 1.62 (1.23–2.15) for PP and 1.44 (1.11–1.87) for MAP. Comparison of c‐statistics revealed no difference in the discrimination power of models with each of the BP variables (P > 0.09). However, RIDI showed enhanced discrimination in the models when other BP variables were replaced with PP. However, this enhancement was marginal for SBP. Using BP combinations modestly improved discrimination. Conclusions: The best predictors of prevalent LVH in the present study population were PP and SBP, whereas DBP was the least effective predictor. These findings have implications for cardiovascular risk stratification and monitoring of risk‐reducing therapies.     

Diastolic blood pressure is an important determinant of augmentation index and pulse wave velocity in young,healthy males

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index are widely used measures of arterial stiffness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of blood pressure as a determinant of both indices independent of potentially confounding factors including gender, age and cardiovascular disorders. A total of 77 young, healthy subjects were investigated under resting conditions. Augmentation index was derived by pulse wave analysis using carotid applanation tonometry. PWV was determined from pressure tracing over the carotid and femoral artery. The relations between stiffness markers and haemodynamic parameters were analysed by simple (r) and multiple (beta) regression analysis. Using simple regression analysis, augmentation index was correlated to age (r=0.292, P=0.0105), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, r=0.483, P<0.0001), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP, r=0.381, P=0.0007), pulse pressure (r=-0.414, P=0.0002) and total peripheral resistance (r=0.266, P=0.0204). After multiple regression analysis, augmentation index remained significantly correlated only to DBP (beta=0.347, P=0.0051). Using simple regression analysis, PWV was correlated to age (r=0.304, P=0.0067), systolic blood pressure (r=0.280, P=0.0129). DBP (r=0.455, P<0.0001), MAP (r=0.446, P&<0.0001) and heart rate (r=0.348, P=0.0018). After multiple regression analysis, PWV remained correlated only to age (beta=0.218, P=0.0422) and DBP (beta=0.4105, P=0.0316). In summary, DBP is an important determinant of augmentation index and PWV in young, healthy males. Further studies are needed to characterize the impact of blood pressure on arterial stiffness in other populations including females and older subjects.     

The relationship between systolic blood pressure and cardiovascular risk--results of the Brisighella Heart Study

We examined the relationship of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and pulse pressure to coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease risk in a prospective population-based European cohort. The Brisighella Heart Study included 2939 men and women between the ages of 14–84 without prior coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease and not taking antihypertensive therapy at baseline. Cox regression was used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) for coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease as a function of baseline blood pressure parameters over a 23-year follow-up. Higher combined coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease risk was evident in comparison to the referent of <120 mm Hg, with a 44% increased risk at SBP 120–139 mm Hg (HR, 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.09; p =0.052), 76% increased risk at SBP 140–159 mm Hg (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.16–2.69; p =0.009), and 109% increased risk at SBP ≥160 mm Hg (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.31–3.35; p =0.0021). Trends of increasing risk with increasing levels of blood pressure were significant for SBP and pulse pressure, ( p <0.0001) but not for DBP ( p =0.058). In this European cohort, SBP was a stronger predictor of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease events than DBP, and an increase in risk was already evident with highnormal SBP (120–139 mm Hg). The prognostic significance of pulse pressure was also demonstrated. The importance of SBP as seen in the Framingham Heart Study may be generalized to a European population with differences in diet and other risk factors.     

Association between levels of blood pressure and measures of subclinical disease multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) is associated with the presence and severity of subclinical disease. Less is known about associations between normal levels of BP and various measures of subclinical disease. METHODS: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) enrolled 6814 participants free of clinical cardiovascular disease (38% white, 28% African American, 22% Hispanic, and 12% Asian). The baseline examination included standardized measures of BP, common carotid intimal-medial thickness determined by ultrasonography, coronary artery calcium by computed tomography, and left ventricular mass by magnetic resonance imaging. Participants with treated hypertension (n = 2173) were excluded. Statistical methods included analysis of variance, linear regression, and chi(2) tests. RESULTS: Among the 4640 participants, BP was strongly related to age and African American ethnicity. Carotid intimal-medial thickness was directly associated with systolic BP (SBP) and inversely associated with diastolic BP (DBP, P < .001 for both). For SBP in men, for instance, the adjusted regression coefficient was 0.058 mm per 1 SD (21 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.045 to 0.070), and for SBP in women it was 0.043 (95% CI, 0.033 to 0.052). Left ventricular mass was directly related to SBP and DBP. The proportion with non-zero calcium scores increased with SBP but decreased with DBP. CONCLUSIONS: The range of BP examined in this study fell largely within the normal or prehypertension stage. In cross-sectional analysis of data from a population-based study, these untreated levels of BP were associated with a variety of measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease.     

Pilot Results of the Early Detection by Ultrasound of Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness Evaluation (EDUCATE) study

BACKGROUND: Limitations of current models for risk stratification are known. Noninvasive imaging is being advocated as an adjunct to improve risk prediction; however, studies documenting outcomes are rare. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the negative and positive predictive values of carotid atherosclerosis for future cardiovascular events. METHODS: The Early Detection by Ultrasound of Carotid Artery intima media Thickness Evaluation (EDUCATE) study prospectively enrolled 253 consecutive young to middle-aged adults undergoing elective coronary angiography. Bilateral carotid ultrasound and lipid profiles were performed. Carotid atherosclerosis was defined as intima media thickness >/=1.0 mm in the main body, or focal plaque within the body, bulb, or proximal branch. Future events included major (death, myocardial infarction, stroke) and minor (revascularization and new onset heart failure). RESULTS: Of the enrolled patients 236 completed all tests; mean age was 51 +/- 8 years; 58% women. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values for carotid atherosclerosis in predicting severe coronary artery disease were 72%, 49% and 79%, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.0). Of patients suffering major events, 90% had carotid atherosclerosis. Only 1 of 95 without carotid atherosclerosis experienced a major event. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed differences in event-free survival in favor of subjects without carotid atherosclerosis for major (P = .051) and any event (P = .015). Cox analysis revealed a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.7 (95% CI 1.2-6.2; P = .020) for predicting future events. The relationship remained significant after adjusting for traditional risk factors (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.9; P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid atherosclerosis is associated with severe coronary artery disease and future events. Negative carotid ultrasound is associated with excellent prognosis.     

Pulse pressure and risk for myocardial infarction and heart failure in the elderly

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether pulse pressure (PP), a measure of arterial stiffness, is an independent predictor of the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD), congestive heart failure (CHF) and overall mortality among community-dwelling elderly. BACKGROUND: Current hypertension guidelines classify cardiovascular risk on the basis of elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) without considering their combined effects. Recent studies suggest that PP is a strong predictor of cardiovascular end points, but few data are available among community elderly. METHODS: The study sample included 2,152 individuals age > or =65 years, who were participants in the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly program, free of CHD and CHF at baseline and still alive at one year after enrollment. Blood pressure was measured at baseline. Incidence of CHD, incidence of CHF and total mortality were monitored in the following 10 years. RESULTS: There were 328 incident CHD events, 224 incident CHF events and 1,046 persons who died of any cause. Pulse pressure showed a strong and linear relationship with each end point. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidity and CHD risk factors, a 10-mm Hg increment in PP was associated with a 12% increase in CHD risk (95% confidence interval [CI], 2% to 22%), a 14% increase in CHF risk (95% CI, 5% to 24%), and a 6% increase in overall mortality (95% CI, 0% to 12%). While SBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) also showed positive associations with the end points, PP yielded the highest likelihood ratio chi-square. When PP was entered in the model in conjunction with other blood pressure parameters (SBP, DBP, MAP or hypertension stage, respectively), the association remained positive for PP but became negative for the other blood pressure variables. The effect of PP persisted after adjusting for current medication use and was present in normotensive individuals and individuals with isolated systolic hypertension but not in individuals with diastolic hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated PP is a powerful independent predictor of cardiovascular end points in the elderly.     

Fractional diastolic and systolic pressure in the ascending aorta are related to the extent of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Ascending aortic fractional pulse pressure and fractional systolic pressure (FSP) were demonstrated to differentiate patients with and without coronary artery disease. However, no study so far has analyzed the relationship between FSP and fractional diastolic pressure (FDP) and the extent of coronary artery disease. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between ascending aortic FSP and FDP and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in unselected patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. METHODS: The study group consisted of 445 patients (350 men and 95 women, mean age 58.5 +/- 9.7 years) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease and ejection fraction > 55%. Invasive ascending aortic blood pressure during catheterization and conventional sphygmomanometer measurements were taken. RESULTS: Pulse pressure (PP), FSP, and FDP derived from intraaortic measurements differentiated patients with one-, two-, and three-vessel coronary artery disease (PP, 62.8 +/- 15.8 v 64.8 +/- 17.9 v 71.7 +/- 19.1 [P < .0001]; FSP, 1.45 +/- 0.09 v 1.46 +/- 0.10 v 1.51 +/- 0.12 [P < .0001]; FDP 0.77 +/- 0.05 v 0.77 +/- 0.05 v 0.75 +/-0.06 [P < .0001]). After multivariate stepwise adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of having three-vessel disease was as follows: PP per 10 mm Hg, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.30; FSP per 0.1, OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.60; and FDP per 0.1, OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.95. None of the brachial pressure indices was independently related to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pulse pressure (PP), FSP, and FDP of the ascending aorta are related to the risk of three-vessel disease in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular function.     

Ascending aortic, but not brachial blood pressure-derived indices are related to coronary atherosclerosis

A recent study has demonstrated that pulse pressure (PP) measured in the ascending aorta is related to the extent of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. However, no study so far has analyzed the relation between pulsatility of the ascending aorta and the extent of coronary artery disease in consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Therefore, we investigated the relation between ascending aorta pulsatility and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in unselected patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. The study group consisted of 423 consecutive patients (334 men and 89 women; mean age: 58.6+/-9.7 years) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease and ejection fraction < or =60% PP, fractional pulse pressure (the ratio of pulse pressure to mean pressure, FPP), and the ratio of pulse pressure to diastolic pressure (pulsatility index, PI) derived from intraaortic measurements differentiated patients with one-, two- and three-vessel coronary artery disease (PP, 63.0+/-16.0 versus 64.2+/-18.3 versus 71.8+/-19.1 mmHg (P < 0.0001); FPP, 0.68+/-0.14 versus 0.69+/-0.15 versus 0.76+/-0.17 (P < 0.0001); PI 0.89+/-0.25 versus 0.92+/-0.27 versus 1.04+/-0.32 (P < 0.0001)). After multivariate stepwise adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of having three-vessel disease was: PP per 10 mmHg OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.02-1.31); FPP per 0.1 OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.02-1.37); and PI per 0.1 OR 1.11 (95% CI 1.03-1.21). None of brachial blood pressure indices was independently related to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: Pulse pressure, fractional pulse pressure, and pulsatility index of the ascending aorta are related to the risk of three-vessel disease in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular function.     

Relative role of systolic,diastolic and pulse pressure as risk factors for cardiovascular events in the Brisighella Heart Study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of elevated blood pressure parameters to the long-term incidence of cardiovascular events. DESIGN: A prospective, population-based longitudinal epidemiological cohort. SETTINGS: The population of the town of Brisighella. PATIENTS: The Brisighella Heart Study involved 2939 randomly selected residents of Brisighella, Italy aged 14 to 84 years, free of cardiovascular (CV) disease at enrollment and followed since 1972. Subjects were clinically evaluated at baseline and every 4 years following enrollment when extensive clinical and laboratory data were obtained in addition to the assessment of morbidity and mortality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The Cox regression analysis, adjusted for the main risk factors for CV disease was used to determine the independent prognostic significance of systolic, (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP). The events of interest were coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). RESULTS: Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for combined CHD + CVD at SBP categories of 120-139, 140-159, and 159 mmHg were 1.45 [95% confidence interval, (CI), P= 0.035], 1.88 (95% CI, P= 0.0008), and 2.31 (95% CI, P<0.0001), respectively. For DBP ranges of 70-79, 80-89, and 89 mmHg, HRs were 0.91 (95% CI, P= 0.677), 1.33 (95% CI, P= 0.169), and 1.65 (95% CI, P= 0.029), respectively. PP ranges from 54-67 and 67 mmHg were associated with HRs of 1.23 (95% CI, P= 0.149), and 1.38 (95% CI, P= 0.030), respectively. Similar results were seen for CVD and CHD as separate endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that SBP is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than DBP in the Brisighella population. The added prognostic significance of PP is also demonstrated, particularly if PP exceeds 67 mmHg.     

Acute reduction of blood pressure by nitroglycerin does not normalize large artery stiffness in essential hypertension

Stiffness of large elastic arteries is elevated in subjects with hypertension, an effect that could potentially be explained by increased distending pressure. We examined effects of an acute change in blood pressure on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid artery distensibility (inversely related to stiffness) in normotensive control subjects (n=20, mean age 42) with mean arterial pressure (MAP) 84+/-1.7 mm Hg (mean+/-SE) and subjects with essential hypertension (n=20, mean age 45, MAP 104+/-2.0 mm Hg). Normotensive subjects received intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG) and angiotensin II to lower/increase blood pressure. Hypertensive subjects received NTG to lower blood pressure. Pulse wave velocity was 24% (95% CI: 12% to 35%) higher and carotid distensibility 47% (95% CI: 32% to 63%) lower in hypertensive subjects compared with controls. In normotensive subjects, acute changes in blood pressure produced expected changes in stiffness. However, in hypertensive subjects, despite reducing MAP by 22 mm Hg to the same level as in normotensive subjects, there was no detectable reduction in arterial stiffness: pulse wave velocity remained 24% (95% CI: 10% to 38%) higher and carotid distensibility 48% (95% CI: 31% to 63%) lower in hypertensive compared with normotensive subjects. Because blood pressure-independent effects of NTG are, if anything, to reduce stiffness, these results indicate that elevated carotid and aortic stiffness in hypertensive subjects is not explained by elevated blood pressure but relates to structural change in the arterial wall.     

Carotid intima-media thickness by B-mode ultrasound as surrogate of coronary atherosclerosis: correlation with quantitative coronary angiography and coronary intravascular ultrasound findings.

AIMS: Although well supported by postmortem studies, the reliability of carotid atherosclerosis as surrogate marker of coronary atherosclerosis has been put in doubt by in vivo studies showing a poor correlation between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) detected by external carotid ultrasound (ECU) and coronary stenosis assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). In the present study, we have investigated whether a stronger in vivo correlation between the two arteries can be obtained by using homogeneous variables such as carotid and coronary IMT, detected by ECU and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), respectively. METHODS AND RESULTS: ECU, QCA, and IVUS measurements were made in 48 patients. Carotid IMT was correlated with both angiographic and IVUS findings. A significant but weak correlation was observed between ECU and QCA variables (r approximately 0.35, P < 0.05); the correlation between ECU and IVUS measurements of IMT was higher, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.49 to 0.55. In patients with a QCA diagnosis of normal/intermediate coronary atherosclerosis, the presence of a carotid-IMT(mean) > 1 mm was associated with an 18-fold increase in risk of having a positive IVUS test (OR = 17.99, 95% CI 1.83-177.14, P= 0.013) and with a seven-fold increased risk of having a significant IVUS coronary stenosis (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 1.27-44.0, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Carotid atherosclerosis correlates better with coronary atherosclerosis when both circulations are investigated by the same technique (ultrasound) using the same parameter (IMT). This supports the concept that carotid IMT is a good surrogate marker of coronary atherosclerosis.     

高血压患者动态脉压指数与冠状动脉病变的相关性分析

目的探讨高血压患者动态脉压指数（pluse pressure index,PPI）与冠状动脉病变的相关性。方法纳入2010年4月～2013年4月实施冠状动脉造影（CAG）的高血压患者355例。根据CAG结果将患者分为冠心病组（n=237）及非冠心病组（n=118）。对所有研究对象均进行24 h动态血压监测,记录收缩压（SBP）、舒张压（DBP）和脉压（PP）,计算脉压指数（PPI,PPI=PP/SBP）。分析上述因素与冠状动脉病变的相关性。结果与非冠心病组相比,冠心病组患者PP及PPI水平更高,分别为（77.8±8.7）mmHg vs.（64.7±7.6）mmHg,（0.52±0.08） vs.（0.45±0.10）,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在冠心病患者中,PPI值越高,患者冠脉病变数值越高（P＜0.01）。Logistic分析结果显示, PPI（OR=1.39）、PP（OR=1.23）、SBP（OR=1.27）均为冠状动脉病变发生的危险因素（P均＜0.01）。结论 PPI值有助于预测高血压患者冠状动脉病变的严重程度。     

Association between blood pressure level and the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and total mortality: the cardiovascular health study

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have drawn attention to the importance of pulse pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular events. Pulse pressure is used neither by clinicians nor by guidelines to define treatable levels of blood pressure. METHODS: In the Cardiovascular Health Study, 5888 adults 65 years and older were recruited from 4 US centers. At baseline in 1989-1990, participants underwent an extensive examination, and all subsequent cardiovascular events were ascertained and classified. RESULTS: At baseline, 1961 men and 2941 women were at risk for an incident myocardial infarction or stroke. During follow-up that averaged 6.7 years, 572 subjects had a coronary event, 385 had a stroke, and 896 died. After adjustment for potential confounders, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure were directly associated with the risk of incident myocardial infarction and stroke. Only SBP was associated with total mortality. Importantly, SBP was a better predictor of cardiovascular events than DBP or pulse pressure. In the adjusted model for myocardial infarction, a 1-SD change in SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure was associated with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.24 (1.15-1.35), 1.13 (1.04-1.22), and 1.21 (1.12-1.31), respectively; and adding pulse pressure or DBP to the model did not improve the fit. For stroke, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.34 (1.21-1.47) with SBP, 1.29 (1.17-1.42) with DBP, and 1.21 (1.10-1.34) with pulse pressure. The association between blood pressure level and cardiovascular disease risk was generally linear; specifically, there was no evidence of a J-shaped relationship. In those with treated hypertension, the hazard ratios for the association of SBP with the risks for myocardial infarction and stroke were less pronounced than in those without treated hypertension. CONCLUSION: In this population-based study of older adults, although all measures of blood pressure were strongly and directly related to the risk of coronary and cerebrovascular events, SBP was the best single predictor of cardiovascular events.     

Heart Disease Risk Factors in Midlife Predict Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis More than 25 Years Later in Survivors without Clinical Heart Disease: The Rancho Bernardo Study

OBJECTIVES: To determine which of the classic modifiable coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, measured in midlife, are associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in older age.
DESIGN: Prospective study.
SETTING: Community based.
PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 400 community-dwelling middle-aged adults who had no history of CHD at baseline (1972–1974), when CHD risk factors were measured, and who were still free of known CHD in 2000 to 2002.
MEASUREMENTS: Coronary artery plaque burden was assessed according to coronary artery calcium (CAC) score using computed tomography in 2000 to 2002.
RESULTS: Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to compare baseline risk factors with severity of CAC. Mean age was 42 at baseline and 69 at the time of CAC assessment; 46.5% were male. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, and all other risk factors, one standard deviation increase in body mass index (odds ratio (OR)=1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–1.51; P =.03), cholesterol (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.03–1.58; P =.020, pulse pressure (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.03–1.50; P =.03), and log triglycerides (OR=1.22, 95% CI=0.99–1.50; P =.06) each independently predicted the presence and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis.
CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors measured more than 25 years earlier influence plaque burden in elderly survivors without clinical heart disease.