Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index Research Articles

S-46-2: DAYTIME MAXIMUM AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE AND RISK OF STROKE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH INCREASED AMBULATORY ARTERIAL STIFFNESS INDEX: THE JAMP STUDY

Objective: The hypothesis of this study is that maximum ambulatory BP during daytime is a risk of cardiovascular events. We further hypothesize that this association may be remarkable in the population with increased arterial stiffness, because BP variability is linked to increased arterial stiffness. Methods: A total of 6294 Japan Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Prospective study participants (mean age, 68.6 ± 11.7 years; 78% treated hypertensive patients) with at least 1 cardiovascular risk factors performing ambulatory BP monitoring were followed for 4.5 years. Daytime maximum BP was calculated as the highest 1 hour moving average of 2 consecutive systolic BP readings during daytime defined by referring to the diary. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was calculated as 1 minus the regression of diastolic BP plotted against systolic BP obtained from individual 24-hour BP. Results: During a follow-up, there were 217 atherosclerotic cardiovascular events (119 stroke, 98 coronary artery disease). Divided into quartiles of daytime maximum BP, the top quartile (≧179.4 mmHg) was a risk of stroke events compared to other quartiles after adjustment for covariates (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–2.27), but not a risk of coronary artery disease. In the higher AASI group (≧0.5783), this association was observed (HR, 1.89; 95%CI, 1.13–3.15) but not in the lower ASSI group. The highest risk of stroke among BP groups was observed the individuals with 24-hour systolic BP of at least 130 mmHg and the top quartile of daytime maximum BP with a HR (95%CI) of 2.44 (1.27–4.68), compared with those with 24-hour systolic BP of less than 130 mmHg and other quartiles of daytime maximum BP in the higher AASI group, but this association was not found in the lower AASI group. Conclusion: Maximum ambulatory BP during daytime was a risk of cardiovascular events, especially in increases arterial stiffness represented as AASI.

Features of vascular rigidity in patients with arterial hypertension in combination with chronic heart failure and senile asthenia syndrome

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the features of vascular rigidity in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) depending on the presence of chronic heart failure (CHF) and senile asthenia syndrome (SAS).Design and methods. 320 patients with AH were divided into two main groups: group 1 — patients with AH and CHF (n = 161), group 2 — patients with AH without CHF (n = 159). Depending on the presence of SAS, patients of each group were divided as follows: subgroup 1A — patients with AH, CHF and SAS (n = 84), subgroup 1B — patients with AH, CHF without SAS (n = 77), subgroup 2A — patients with AH, SAS without CHF (n = 84), subgroup 2B — patients with AH without CHF and without SAS (n = 75). To identify SAS, we used the “Age is not a barrier” questionnaire and a short battery of physical functioning tests. The parameters of vascular stiffness were determined using a device for daily monitoring of blood pressure BPLab using Vasotens technology (Peter Telegin, Nizhny Novgorod). The obtained data were processed using STATISTICA 12.0 (StatSoft Inc., USA), SPSS 21.0, MedCalc (version 9.3.5.0).Results. Analysis of the effect of SAS on vascular stiffness showed that in patients with AH, CHF and SAS, compared with patients with AH, CHF without SAS, there were statistically significantly lower values of the reflected wave propagation time (RWTT) (p = 0,001) against the background of higher values pulse wave velocity in the aorta (РWVао) (p < 0,001), arterial stiffness index (ASI) (p = 0,0001) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) (p = 0,002), which indicates more pronounced vascular stiffness in patients with AH, CHF in the presence of SAS. In the group of patients with AH and SAS without CHF, compared with patients with AH without CHF and without SAS, higher values of РWVао (p < 0,001) and “adjusted” index of augmentation index (AIх@75) (p < 0,001) were revealed, which allows to judge the effect of SAS on the development of arterial stiffness in patients with AH without CHF. Analysis of the effect of CHF on vascular stiffness showed that in patients with AH, SAS and CHF, compared with patients with AH, SAS without CHF, statistically significantly lower values of RWTT (p < 0,001) and higher values of РWVао (p = 0,024) were noted, ASI (p < 0,001), AASI (p < 0,001), maximum rate of blood pressure rise (dP/dtmax) (p < 0,001) and AIх@75 (p < 0,001). In the group of patients with AH, CHF without SAS, compared with patients with AH without CHF and without SAS, lower values of RWTT (p < 0,001) and higher values of РWVаo (p = 0,004), ASI (p < 0,001), AASI (p < 0,001) and dP/dtmax (p < 0,001), which in turn demonstrates the contribution of CHF to the development of vascular stiffness in AH patients without SAS. CS.Conclusions. In hypertensive patients over 80 years of age, the development of both SAS and CHF was accompanied by limited compliance of the aortic walls and increased vascular stiffness in the peripheral arteries. Significantly more pronounced changes in vascular stiffness parameters were noted in patients with a combination of AH, CHF and SAS compared with those in patients with AH and CHF or AH and SAS, which indicates an increase in vascular stiffness, and, consequently, a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in this combined pathology.

Relations among perceived stress, fatigue, and sleepiness, and their effects on the ambulatory arterial stiffness index in medical staff: A cross-sectional study.

To explore the relations among perceived stress, fatigue, sleepiness, and the pathway of their effects on the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) among medical staff. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China. Perceived stress, fatigue, and sleepiness were measured using the perceived stress scale (PSS), Fatigue assessment scale (FAS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. AASI was obtained from 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Path analysis was used to clarify the relations among the PSS, FAS, and ESS scores, and their relations to AASI values. A total of 153 participants were included herein. The PSS and FAS correlated with the ESS (r = 0.424, p < 0.001), and the PSS correlated with the FAS (r = 0.614, p < 0.001). In addition, the ESS correlated with the AASI (r = 0.225, p = 0.005). According to the path analysis results, the PSS and FAS had no direct effect on the AASI, but did have an indirect effect on this index (β = 0.059, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.017-0.128, p = 0.005; β = 0.059, 95%CI = 0.016-0.135, p = 0.006, respectively) by influencing the ESS (β = 0.263, β = 0.262, p = 0.004). Sleepiness was a mediator of the effects of perceived stress and fatigue on AASI.

Maximum ambulatory daytime blood pressure and risk of stroke in individuals with higher ambulatory arterial stiffness index: the JAMP study.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a high daytime maximum blood pressure (BP) assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) constitutes a risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events, especially in those with increased arterial stiffness, because BP variability is linked to arterial stiffness. A total of 6294 participants (mean age, 68.6 ± 11.7 years; 78% treated hypertensive patients), who had at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor, were followed for 4.5 years. Daytime maximum BP was calculated as the highest 1-hour moving average of 2 consecutive systolic BP (SBP) readings during the daytime. The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was calculated as 1 minus the slope of the linear regression line between SBP and diastolic BP during 24-hour BP. During the follow-up, there were 217 ASCVD events (119 stroke and 98 coronary artery disease [CAD]). In the higher-AASI group (≥0.5783), subjects in the top quartile of daytime maximum SBP (≥179.4 mmHg) had a greater risk of stroke events compared to those in other quartiles (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.15). In the higher-AASI group, participants with 24-hour SBP of 130 mmHg or more and in the top quartile of daytime maximum SBP had an adjusted HR (95%CI) of 2.55 (1.32-4.95) compared to those without. The analysis did not suggest that daytime maximum SBP posed a risk for CAD events and in the lower-AASI group. Daytime maximum SBP did pose a risk of stroke events, especially for those with higher arterial stiffness represented as AASI.

Mixed circuit training acutely reduces arterial stiffness in patients with chronic stroke: a crossover randomized controlled trial.

Investigate whether a single bout of mixed circuit training (MCT) can elicit changes in arterial stiffness in patients with chronic stroke. Second, to assess the between-day reproducibility of post-MCT arterial stiffness measurements. Seven participants (58 ± 12years) performed a non-exercise control session (CTL) and two bouts of MCT on separate days in a randomized counterbalanced order. The MCT involved 3 sets of 15 repetition maximum for 10 exercises, with each set separated by 45-s of walking. Brachial-radial pulse wave velocity (br-PWV), radial artery compliance (AC) and reflection index (RI1,2) were assessed 10min before and 60min after CTL and MCT. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was calculated from 24-h recovery ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Compared to CTL, after 60min of recovery from the 1st and 2nd bouts of MCT, lower values were observed for br-PWV (mean diff = -3.9 and -3.7m/s, respectively, P < 0.01; ICC2,1 = 0.75) and RI1,2 (mean diff = -16.1 and -16.0%, respectively, P < 0.05; ICC2,1 = 0.83) concomitant with higher AC (mean diff = 1.2 and 1.0 × 10-6cm5/dyna, respectively, P < 0.01; ICC2,1 = 0.40). The 24-h AASI was reduced after bouts of MCT vs. CTL (1st and 2nd bouts of MCT vs. CTL: mean diff = -0.32 and -0.29 units, respectively, P < 0.001; ICC2,1 = 0.64). A single bout of MCT reduces arterial stiffness during laboratory (60min) and ambulatory (24h) recovery phases in patients with chronic stroke with moderate-to-high reproducibility. Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br identifier RBR-5dn5zd.

Abstract P209: Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index In Detecting Autonomic Failure

Previous studies have shown standard deviation (SD) of daytime ambulatory systolic BP (DaySBP) as a screening tool for detecting autonomic failure. While ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) has shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the usefulness of AASI in detecting the presence of autonomic failure has not been investigated. We assessed AASI in 336 hypertensive and normotensive adults with and without autonomic failure (ATF). Area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated to determine accuracy of AASI in detecting ATF. Bayes factor (BF) was used to assess the significance of the difference between AUROC of AASI compared to SD daytime SBP and AASI combined with SD daytime SBP compared to SD daytime SBP alone. Sensitivity and specificity of AASI in detecting autonomic failure was derived using cut-off points from Youden’s Index. Prevalence of ATF in our cohort was 14 % (47/336). The prevalence of HTN was 55 % (184/336). The mean age of the ATF group was higher than the control group (71 ± 11 vs. 61 ± 14 years, respectively, p &lt; 0.05). The mean AASI of ATF patients was higher than control group (0.58 ± 0.11 vs. 0.51 ± 0.15, respectively, p &lt; 0.05). The AUROC of AASI in ATF detection was not significantly higher than SD daytime SBP (BF =0.12). Sensitivity and specificity of AASI was 87 % and 43 %, respectively. The optimal cutoff for AASI selected by Youden’s index was 0.48. The addition of AASI to SD daytime SBP significantly improved ATF detection compared to AASI alone (BF &gt; 3, Fig 1). In conclusion, AASI in combination with SD DaySBP significantly outperformed AASI alone in detecting autonomic failure in patients with or without HTN.

Twenty-Four-Hour Central Hemodynamic Load in Adults With and Without a History of COVID-19.

BACKGROUNDAlthough hypertension is an established risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness, little is known about the effects of COVID-19 on blood pressure (BP). Central BP measures taken over a 24-hour period using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) adds prognostic value in assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared to brachial BP measures taken at a single time point. We assessed CVD risk between adults with and without a history of COVID-19 via appraisal of 24-hour brachial and central hemodynamic load from ABPM.METHODSCross-sectional analysis was performed on 32 adults who tested positive for COVID-19 (29±13 years, 22 females) and 43 adults without a history of COVID-19 (28±12 years, 26 females). Measures of 24-hour hemodynamic load included brachial and central systolic and diastolic BP, pulse pressure, augmentation index (AIx), pulse wave velocity (PWV), nocturnal BP dipping, the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI), and the blood pressure variability ratio (BPVR).RESULTSParticipants who tested positive for COVID-19 experienced 6±4 COVID-19 symptoms, were studied 122±123 days after testing positive, and had mild-to-moderate COVID-19 illness. The results from independent samples t-tests showed no significant differences in any of our 24-hour, daytime, or nighttime measures of central or peripheral hemodynamic load across those with and without a history of COVID-19 (p > 0.05 for all).CONCLUSIONSNo differences in 24-hour brachial or central ABPM measures were detected between adults recovering from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and controls without a history of COVID-19. Adults recovering from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 do not have increased 24-hour central hemodynamic load.

Predicting Renal Denervation Response in Resistant High Blood Pressure by Arterial Stiffness Assessment: A Systematic Review.

Background: Accurately selecting hypertensive candidates for renal denervation (RDN) therapy is required, as one-third of patients who undergo RDN are non-responders. We aimed to systematically review the literature on RDN response prediction using arterial stiffness assessment, optimizing the selection of patients referred for interventional blood pressure lowering procedures. Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to retrieve potential eligible studies from the inception to 30 June 2022. Results: Ten studies were finally included in this systematic review. Studies consistently documented that invasive pulse wave velocity (PWV) was correlated with RDN’s significant success. Nevertheless, non-invasive ambulatory arterial stiffness index and PWV derived from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were independent predictors of blood pressure response (p = 0.04 and p < 0.0001). In some studies, magnetic resonance imaging parameters of arterial stiffness (ascending aortic distensibility, total arterial compliance) were correlated with blood pressure reduction (AUC = 0.828, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Assessing arterial stiffness prior to RDN predicted procedural success, since stiffness parameters were strongly correlated with a significant blood pressure response. Our endeavor should be tackled as a step forward in selecting appropriate hypertensive patients scheduled for RDN therapy. Non-invasive measurements could be an alternative to invasive parameters for response prediction.

Arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients with peripheral artery disease

Objective. To identify features of arterial stiffness, to establish relationships with indicators of the daily blood pressure profile and peripheral artery disease in patients with hypertension (HTN) in combination with subclinical and manifested atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities. Design and methods. 120 patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1-46 patients with HTN and clinically manifested AALE, group 2-39 patients with HTN and asymptomatic AALE, group 3-35 HTN patients without AALE. All patients underwent general clinical laboratory and instrumental research methods, including 24-hour blood pressure ambulatory monitoring (24h-ABPM) with the assessment of 24-hour blood pressure profile and arterial stiffness parameters, ultrasonic triplex scanning (USTS) of the arteries of the lower extremities. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Office Excel 16 (2015, Microsoft, USA), Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, USA), IBM SPSS Statistica 26.0 (IBM, USA). Results. Higher values of pulse wave velocity (PWVao), augmentation index (AIx) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) were found in the 1st group in comparison to the 2nd and 3rd groups (p &lt; 0,05). Lower reflected wave transit time (RWTT) (119,5 [112;127] ms) was found in the 1st group (128 [122;132], p = 0,001 and 126 [121;129] ms, p = 0,03 in the 2nd and and 3rd groups, respectively) groups. The maximum rate of blood pressure increase (dP/dtmax) in patients of the 1st (550 [466;666] mm Hg/s) and 2nd (634 [511;695] mm Hg/s) groups was significantly lower than in patients of the 3rd group (655 [526;806] mm Hg/s, p &lt; 0,05). A direct correlation was found between AASI values and SBP (r = 0,291, p = 0,049) and its variability (r = 0,301, p = 0,042), AASI and PBP (r = 0,518, p &lt; 0,001), its variability (r = 0,596, r &lt; 0,001) in group 1, as well as AASI and PBP (r = 0,514, p &lt; 0,001) and PBP variability (r = 0,632, p &lt; 0,001) in group 2. A correlation between AIx and the degree of stenosis (%) of the arteries of the lower extremities was found in patients with AH and AALE of varying severity (r = 0,310, p = 0,004). Conclusions. In patients with subclinical course of AALE, lower values of dP/dtmax in comparison with HTN patients without AALE indicate an increase in arterial stiffness at the initial stages of peripheral atherosclerosis. Clinically manifested atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities in HTN patients are associated with a more pronounced increase in arterial stiffness, which contributes to a higher cardiovascular risk.

The relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF: a prospective observational study

BackgroundThe relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between the AASI and LVDD in HFpEF.MethodsWe prospective enrolled consecutive patients with HFpEF in Chongqing, China. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24 h-ABPM) and echocardiography were performed in each patient. AASI was obtained through individual 24 h-ABPM. The relationship between AASI and LVDD was analyzed.ResultsA total of 107 patients with HFpEF were included. The mean age was 68.45 ± 14.02 years and 63 (59%) were women. The patients were divided into two groups according to the upper normal border of AASI (0.55). AASI > 0.55 group were more likely to be older, to have higher mean systolic blood pressure and worsen left ventricular diastolic function than AASI group ≤ 0.55. AASI was closely positive related to the diastolic function parameters, including mean E/e′ (r = 0.307, P = 0.001), septal E/e′ (r = 0.290, P = 0.002), lateral E/e′ (r = 0.276, P = 0.004) and E (r = 0.274, P = 0.004). After adjusting for conventional risk factors, AASI was still an independent risk factors of mean E/e′ > 10 in patients with HFpEF (OR: 2.929, 95%CI: 1.214–7.064, P = 0.017), and the association between AASI and mean E/e′ > 14 was reduced (OR: 2.457, 95%CI: 1.030–5.860, P = 0.043). AASI had a partial predictive value for mean E/e′ > 10 (AUC = 0.691, P = 0.002), while the predictive value for mean E/e′ > 14 was attenuated (AUC = 0.624, P = 0.034).ConclusionAASI was positive related to E/e′ in HFpEF and might be an independent risk factor for the increase of mean E/e′.

NOCTURNAL DIPPING PATTERN IN 24-HOUR AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE RECORDINGS OF HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS IN THE BAY OF PLENTY (BOP)

Objective: 24-Hour Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is gold standard for diagnosis/management of hypertension (HT). Untreated and poorly controlled HT leads to increased rates of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and renal disease. Data is lacking on dipping patterns in different ethnicities of New Zealand (NZ). The primary aim was to compare nocturnal dipping pattern between Maori and Non-Maori ethnicities. Secondary aims included comparison of nocturnal HT, morning surge index (MSI) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) amongst them and comparison as per socio-economic deprivation index (NZDep 2018). Design and method: ABPM data of hypertensive adults &gt; 18 years of age (on antihypertensives) in EBOP was collected retrospectively from Midland Clinical Portal from 1st December 2018 to 31st July 2021. Duplicates or unsuccessful ABPM results were excluded from the analysis. Normal dipping was defined as 10–20%, non-dipping being 0- &lt; 10%, reverse dipping &lt; 0% and extreme dipping &gt; 20%. Statistics were processed using Excel. Results: Of 213 ABPMs nalysed, 20% were of Maori individuals. 39.5% of Maori were non-dippers and 9.3% were reverse dippers. Amongst Non-Maori, 34.1% were non-dippers and 13.5% were reverse dippers (p = 0.840). Uncontrolled nocturnal HT was more likely in Maori (60.5%) as compared to Non-Maori (54.1%), though not significant (p = 0.454). AASI was significantly higher (p = 0.001) in Non-Maoris, though MSI was not different (p = 0.865). Lower socio-economic demographic individuals or Maori are less likely to receive ABPM. Conclusions: There was no statistical difference between dipping status of Maori and Non-Maori. However, it is evident up to 55% of patients in this data set have uncontrolled nocturnal HT suggesting that EBOP is receiving subtherapeutic management of their HT. Therefore, all hypertensives should have ABPM in NZ to manage HT. As HT is more prevalent in Maori, researchers recommend a commitment from Bay of Plenty District Health Board to address this inequity to improve cardiac, cerebrovascular and renal health.

MO1036: 24-H Central Blood Pressure is Related to Renal Lesions in Children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Adult data show that in people with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), blood pressure is related to the extent of renal involvement. Central blood pressure and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure are stronger predictors of a cardiovascular burden compared to office peripheral blood pressure. The study aimed to analyse 24-h central blood pressure and its relation with renal involvement in paediatric patients with TSC. METHOD In a group of 32 children with TSC (9.6 ± 4.4 years, 16 boys, 16 girls), we evaluated peripheral and central 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, office peripheral blood pressure, medications used, renal lesions in magnetic resonance and ultrasonography, including the presence of angiomyolipoma (AML), atypical AML, cysts and their maximal diameter (mm) and laboratory parameters. RESULTS In the studied group, 20 (62.5%) children had renal angiomyolipomas, including 5 (15.6%) with atypical angiomyolipomas, 22 (68.8%) with renal cysts and 4 children (12.5%) were treated with mTOR inhibitors (2 patients with everolimus and 2 patients with sirolimus) at the moment of evaluation, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 127.4 ± 36.7, one patient had GFR 80.5, 22 patients had GFR between 90 and 139 and 9 patients had hyperfiltration defined as GFR &amp;gt; 140 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 4 (12.5%) children had elevated blood pressure in ABPM. The 24-h central systolic and diastolic blood pressure correlated with maximal diameter of renal cysts (mm) (r = 0.359, P = .044; r = 0.466, P = .029) and urinary albumin loss (mg/24-h) (r = 0.511, P = .004; r = 0.478, P = .021), 24-h central systolic, mean blood pressure and pulse pressure with serum cystatin-C (ng/mL) (r = 0.523, P = .005; r = 0.464, P = .015; r = 0.419, P = .029); 24-h peripheral MAP Z-score correlated with cyst size (mm) (r = 0.571, P = .021). No significant correlations between presence and AML size and peripheral and central blood pressure were found in the study group. There were following positive correlations of arterial stiffness parameters: 24-h central augmentation index (24hcAI x 75HR) with total cholesterol (r = 0.357, P = .045) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) with uric acid (r = 0.520, P = .003). Size of AML correlated with age (r = 0.468, P = .007), whereas there was no correlation between cyst size and age (r = 0.145, P = .416). CONCLUSION

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Peripheral Artery Disease in a Tertiary Center-Impact on Arterial Stiffness and Functional Status after 6 Months.

Background and Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays an essential role in peripheral artery disease (PAD), leading to improved functional status, increased quality of life, and reduced arterial stiffness. We aimed to assess factors associated with clinical improvement 6 months after enrolment in a rehabilitation program at an academic medical center in north-eastern Europe. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 97 patients with PAD admitted to a single tertiary referral center. At the 6-months follow-up, 75 patients (77.3%) showed improved clinical status. We analyzed demographics and clinical and paraclinical parameters in order to explore factors associated with a favorable outcome. Results: Hypertension (p = 0.002), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.002), dyslipidemia (p = 0.045), and obesity (p = 0.564) were associated with no clinical improvement. Smoking cessation (p < 0.001), changing sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.032), and improvement of lipid and carbohydrate profile as well as functional status parameters and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (p = 0.008) were factors associated with clinical improvement at the 6-months follow-up. Conclusions: PAD patients require an integrative, multidisciplinary management to maintain functional status and increase quality of life. Improving carbohydrate and lipid profile, adopting a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking and increasing exercise capacity are predictors for clinical improvement 6 months after enrolment in a CR program.

Effectiveness of combination of perindopril and indapamide on ambulatory arterial stiffness index in Vietnamese patients with primary hypertension

Effectiveness of combination of perindopril and indapamide on ambulatory arterial stiffness index in Vietnamese patients with primary hypertension

24-hour central blood pressure and immune system activation in adolescents with primary hypertension - a preliminary study.

Adult and pediatric data suggest a positive relationship between the extent of subclinical inflammation, blood pressure, and hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) in primary hypertension (PH). 24-hour (24-h) ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) and central blood pressure (CBP) are strong predictors of HMOD. Our study aimed to analyze the relationship between 24-h central ABPM, subclinical inflammation, and clinical data in adolescents with PH. In 28 untreated adolescents with PH (14.50 ±2.27 years) and 25 healthy peers (14.76 ±2.83 years), we analyzed 24-h peripheral and central ABPM, markers of subclinical inflammation (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio - NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio - PLR, mean platelet volume - MPV), and clinical and biochemical data. Patients with PH had higher 24-h peripheral and central blood pressure than healthy peers. In all 53 patients, we found significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between NLR, PLR and 24-h central systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (24-h cSBP, 24-h cDBP, 24-h cMAP), between 24-h central augmentation index corrected for heart rate 75 (24-h cAIx75HR) and platelet count. In 28 patients with PH, 24-h cAIx75HR correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (R = 0.442), and ambulatory arterial stiffness index with body mass index (BMI) (R = 0.487), uric acid (R = 0.430), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (R = -0.428). Increased central 24-h blood pressure may be associated with immune system activation in adolescents with primary hypertension. In adolescents with primary hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia are risk factors for increased arterial stiffness. Further studies on central and peripheral blood pressure in terms of their relationship with inflammation in these patients are needed.

Increased ambulatory arterial stiffness index and blood pressure load in normotensive obese patients.

It has been shown that blood pressure (BP) values measured in obese subjects are higher than the individuals with normal weight, even in normotensive limits. However, data concerning the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI) and blood pressure load in normotensive obese subjects is lacking. This study was aimed to compare the ambulatory arterial stiffness index and blood pressure load in normotensive obese and healthy controls. One hundred normotensive obese and one hundred normal weight subjects were included in this study. All subjects underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index was calculated from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring records. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index was defined as one minus the regression slope of unedited 24-h diastolic on systolic blood pressures. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) load values were calculated from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring analysis. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index of the obese subjects was significantly higher than the healthy controls (0.48±0.2 vs. 0.33±0.11, p<0.001). 24-hours systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure loads were significantly higher in obese subjects. Logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) was an independent predictor for an abnormal ambulatory arterial stiffness ındex (≥0.50) (OR: 1.137, 95% CI: 0.915-1.001, p=0.004). Blood pressure load and ambulatory arterial stiffness index are increased in normotensive obese patients. Moreover, body mass index is an independent predictor for an abnormal ambulatory arterial stiffness index. Our results indicate that obese subjects are at higher risk for future cardiovascular events despite normal office BP levels.

The Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites in Human Arterial Stiffness

Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have vasodilator properties in animal and human exvivo arteries. However, the role of the gut microbiota and SCFAs in arterial stiffness in humans is still unclear. Here we aimed to determine associations between the gut microbiome, SCFA and their G-protein coupled sensing receptors (GPCRs) in relation to human arterial stiffness. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was determined from ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring in 69 participants from regional and metropolitan regions in Australia (55.1% women; mean, 59.8± SD, 7.26 years of age). The gut microbiome was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, SCFA levels by gas chromatography, and GPCR expression in circulating immune cells by real-time PCR. There was no association between metrics of bacterial α and β diversity and AASI or AASI quartiles in men and women. We identified two main bacteria taxa that were associated with AASI quartiles: Lactobacillus spp. was only present in the lowest quartile, while Clostridium spp. was present in all quartiles but the lowest. AASI was positively associated with higher levels of plasma, but not faecal, butyrate. Finally, we identified that the expression of GPR43 (FFAR2) and GPR41 (FFAR3) in circulating immune cells were negatively associated with AASI. Our results suggest that arterial stiffness is associated with lower levels of the metabolite-sensing receptors GPR41/GPR43 in humans, blunting its response to BP-lowering metabolites such as butyrate. The role of Lactobacillus spp. and Clostridium spp., as well as butyrate-sensing receptors GPR41/GPR43, in human arterial stiffness needs to be determined.

Significance of determination of hemodynamic phenotypes in early diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders in children with diabetes mellitus

Aim. To stratify hemodynamic phenotypes in children with diabetes mellitus and their frequency, depending on the duration of the disease. Materials and methods. The study involved 72 children suffering from diabetes, aged 10 to 16 years who were divided into 3 groups. The first group – 22 children with diabetes mellitus up to 1 year. The second group – 24 patients with a disease duration of 1 to 5 years. The third group – 26 children with the disease over 5 years. Control group – 20 children, representative by age and sex. All children underwent daily blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) with the ABPM-04 device (Meditech Ltd, Hungary). Diagnosis of latent hemodynamic disorders was performed by the method of quantitative analysis of the relationships of blood pressure parameters, which involved a linear regression of systolic blood pressure by pulse blood pressure. According to the results of regression, 6 hemodynamic phenotypes were determined, which characterized the individual features of the circulatory system: harmonic, myocardial-insufficient subtype of harmonic, borderline diastolic harmonic, borderline systolic harmonic, dysfunctional diastolic and dysfunctional systolic. According to ABPM results, the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was calculated using a linear regression equation. The results were statistically processed using statistics software package Statistica 13.0 (StatSoft Inc., No. JPZ8041382130ARCN10-J). Results. It was found that in the dynamics of diabetes the registration of the harmonic hemodynamic phenotype during the day decreased due to an increase in the proportion of patients with dysfunctional diastolic hemodynamic phenotype. At the same time, in children with diabetes, there was a significant increase in AASI from the first year of the disease with a progressive increase with its dynamics. The highest values of AASI were observed in dysfunctional hemodynamic phenotype. Conclusions. In children with diabetes mellitus observed the formation of disharmonious hemodynamic phenotypes in the dynamics of the disease. In combination with increased vascular stiffness these changes realized in systemic circulatory disorders and the development of a diabetic angiopathy. Detected disorders, apparently, became the risk factors of hypertension. Determination of hemodynamic phenotype in children with diabetes mellitus can be used as screening method for preclinical diagnosis of latent disorders of the cardiovascular system, early treatment and prevention.

The Relationship Between Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Women.

BackgroundThe ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) obtained during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has been cited as an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including cardiovascular death, stroke and worsening chronic kidney disease (CKD) among mixed-sex adult populations. This study aimed to determine the relationship between AASI and MACE and its predictive precision in women.MethodsThis work follows the guidelines of the STROBE initiative for cohort studies. This was a retrospective single-center observational study of adult women (aged 18 - 75 years), who underwent 24-h ABPM for the diagnosis of hypertension or its control. The primary endpoint was a composite MACE of cardiovascular death, acute limb ischemia, stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or progression to stage V CKD.ResultsA total of 219 women aged 57.4 ± 13.3 years were followed up for a median (interquartile range (IQR)) of 25.5 (18.3 - 31.3) months. Overall, 16 (7.3%) patients suffered one or more MACE events. AASI was significantly higher in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), heart failure, previous stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA). AASI was a significant predictor of MACE (area under the curve: 0.78; P < 0.001) with an optimal cut-off of ≥ 0.56. On Kaplan-Meier analysis AASI ≥ 0.56 was significantly associated with MACE (log-rank test, P < 0.001). The only independent predictors of MACE on Cox proportional hazard analysis were diabetes mellitus, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, cumulative AASI values, or AASI ≥ 0.56.ConclusionsAn AASI of ≥ 0.56 is an independent predictor of MACE in women. A further validation study in a larger cohort of women is recommended.

Analysis of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data in patients with ankylosing spondylitis without clinically evident cardiovascular disease.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Parameters, such as non-dipper, average real variability (ARV), pulse pressure index (PPI), and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) obtained from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), provide information about adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In this study, these indexes were evaluated in patients with AS. Sixty-five patients with AS and 65 control subjects were included in this study. Non-dipper pattern, ARV, PPI, and AASI parameters were assessed using 24-h ABPM recordings. Twenty-four-hour systolic, diastolic, mean standard deviation, PPI, ARV, and AASI were higher in patients with AS (p < 0.05 all parameters). Non-dipper (43.1% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.007) and reverse dipper (10.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.013) patterns were more common in patients with AS. In addition, disease duration was moderately correlated with AASI and ARV (r = 0.36, p = 0.003; r = 0.31, p = 0.012, respectively). This study showed that PPI, AASI, ARV, and dipper pattern were impaired in patients with AS evaluated with ABPM.