Association of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular system remodeling in patients with hypertension

Abstract

Aim. To study the indices of arterial wall local stiffness and it association with structural and functional parameters of cardiovascular system remodeling in hypertensive patients. Methods. Cross-sectional population study included 213 industrial workers, among them 106 patients with stage I-II hypertension and 107 healthy individuals. The stage of arterial hypertension and additional cardiovascular risk category was performed in accordance with national guidelines. All patients underwent echocardiography, carotid arteries ultrasonography, including arterial stiffness evaluation. Results. In patients with hypertension, significant association of arterial wall stiffness indices and «intima-media» complex thickness (total impact of 91%) and echocardiographic parameters describing the left heart chambers volume were revealed. The fact of identifying the relatively high rate of altered arterial wall stiffness parameters, as well as its association with «intima-media» complex thickness in healthy individuals with normal blood pressure (total impact of 81%) may suggest that vascular wall rigidity change may premise vascular remodeling. Conclusion. Arterial wall stiffness indices may be a marker of effective control of risk factors in individuals with normal blood pressure and effect of drug therapy in patients with hypertension.