Carotid Pulse Pressure Research Articles

Wave reflections in hypertension: role of sex, metabolic, and ethnic factors.

Although the links between pulsatile hemodynamics and age are widely acknowledged in hypertension, the interactions of sex, ethnicity, and metabolic factors with hemodynamic parameters remain largely unknown. We investigated the effects of body weight, glycemia, and cholesterolemia on the carotid augmentation index (CAI) and potential changes over time, with particular focus on the roles of sex and ethnicity. Baseline (V1) and repeat (V2) measurements (at ∼1.7 years) of wave reflections (calculated from CAI), brachial and carotid pulse pressure, and heart rate were assessed in 2530 normotensive and hypertensive men and women living in Paris but born in either France, Africa, or Asia. At V1, and in comparison with French-born individuals, African-born individuals had significantly higher CAI, cardiovascular risk, and body weight, whereas Asian-born individuals had similar CAI but lower body weight, and higher cardiovascular risk, triglyceridemia, and heart rate. Stepwise multiple regression showed similar effects of cholesterolemia on CAI in all populations, whereas only French-born individuals (insulin-resistant men and women) showed associations between hyperglycemia and potential CAI dysfunction. Repeat (V2) measurements highlighted significant interactions (P < 0.008) of sex and ethnicity with changes in CAI over time. In men, CAI changes did not differ as a function of ethnicity, whereas in African-born women, they were lesser than those of Asian-born (P < 0.03) and French-born (P < 0.02) women. In the French-born population, CAI changes are affected by diabetes and possibly insulin-resistance, independently of sex. In African-born and Asian-born populations, CAI is sex-specific. Elevated CAI in African-born women calls for close monitoring of cardiovascular risk.

Effects of acute aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness and cerebrovascular pulsatility in adults with and without hypertension.

Stiffer central arteries, as seen in hypertension (HTN), foster transmission of pulsatile hemodynamics into fragile cerebral vessels. Aerobic exercise is recommended for adults with HTN, but its effects on arterial stiffness and pulsatility in this group are unclear. This study sought to investigate the effect of acute aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness and cerebrovascular pulsatility in 30 adults with treated HTN and 30 age, sex, and BMI-matched adults without HTN (56 ± 6 years, BMI 28.2 ± 2.9 kg/m; 28 women). Patients underwent hemodynamic measures before/after 30-min cycling (≈55% peak oxygen consumption). Aortic stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and carotid artery stiffness was assessed with β-stiffness via ultrasound. Aortic/carotid pulse pressure (aortic via radial generalized transfer function) was measured by tonometry and calibrated to brachial mean pressure and diastolic pressure. Carotid/middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood velocity pulsatility indices were measured using Doppler. Carotid wave intensity analysis was used to derive forward wave intensity (W1). Exercise impacted hemodynamics similarly in HTN compared to no-HTN. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, MCA pulsatility index, carotid pulsatility index, and W1 increased similarly after exercise in both groups (P < 0.05). Carotid pulse pressure and β-stiffness were unaltered after exercise. Postexercise changes in W1 were positively associated with carotid pulsatility index, which was further associated with MCA pulsatility index. These data suggest adults with treated HTN experience similar increases in aortic stiffness and cerebrovascular hemodynamic pulsatility during early recovery from acute aerobic exercise as their counterparts without HTN.

P730Noninvasive assessment of local carotid pulse pressure by radiofrequency-based wall tracking: comparison with applanation tonometry and relationships with cardiovascular biomarkers

P730Noninvasive assessment of local carotid pulse pressure by radiofrequency-based wall tracking: comparison with applanation tonometry and relationships with cardiovascular biomarkers

Carotid circumferential wall stress is not associated with cognitive performance among individuals in late middle age: The Maastricht Study

Background and aimsArterial remodelling aims at normalising circumferential wall stress (CWS). Greater CWS in the carotid artery has previously been associated with the prevalence and severity of cerebral small vessel disease, a major cause of ageing-related cognitive decline. Here we test the hypothesis that greater carotid CWS is associated with poorer cognitive performance. MethodsWe studied 722 individuals (60 ± 8 years, 55% men, 42.5% highly educated, blood pressure 137 ± 19/77 ± 11 mmHg, n = 197 with type 2 diabetes) who completed a neuropsychological assessment and underwent vascular ultrasound to measure the intima-media thickness (IMT) and interadventitial diameter (IAD) of the left common carotid artery at a plaque-free site. From IMT and IAD, lumen diameter (LD) was calculated. These structural measures were then combined with local carotid pulse pressure and brachial mean arterial pressure to obtain a measure of pulsatile (CWSpulsatile) and average (CWSmean) mechanical load on the vessel wall. Cognitive domains assessed were memory, executive function and attention, and processing speed. ResultsAfter adjustment for age, sex, and education, regression analyses showed that neither CWSpulsatile nor CWSmean were associated with measures of cognitive performance (p-values ≥0.31). This null association did not differ by age or educational level, and was observed in both individuals with and without carotid plaque, diabetes and/or hypertension. In addition, none of the individual measures of carotid structure (i.e. IMT, IAD, and LD) was related to cognitive performance. ConclusionsThe present cross-sectional study shows that carotid CWS is not associated with cognitive performance, at least not among relatively highly educated individuals in late middle age with adequately controlled cardiovascular risk factors.

Intrinsic Frequency Analysis and Fast Algorithms

Intrinsic Frequency (IF) has recently been introduced as an ample signal processing method for analyzing carotid and aortic pulse pressure tracings. The IF method has also been introduced as an effective approach for the analysis of cardiovascular system dynamics. The physiological significance, convergence and accuracy of the IF algorithm has been established in prior works. In this paper, we show that the IF method could be derived by appropriate mathematical approximations from the Navier-Stokes and elasticity equations. We further introduce a fast algorithm for the IF method based on the mathematical analysis of this method. In particular, we demonstrate that the IF algorithm can be made faster, by a factor or more than 100 times, using a proper set of initial guesses based on the topology of the problem, fast analytical solution at each point iteration, and substituting the brute force algorithm with a pattern search method. Statistically, we observe that the algorithm presented in this article complies well with its brute-force counterpart. Furthermore, we will show that on a real dataset, the fast IF method can draw correlations between the extracted intrinsic frequency features and the infusion of certain drugs.

Carotid stiffness is significantly correlated with wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles.

Wall-to-lumen ratio of retinal arterioles (W/L ratio) might serve as an in-vivo parameter of microvascular damage. No study has investigated the relationship between carotid stiffness and W/L ratio of retinal arteries. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the correlation between local carotid stiffness, as assessed by echotracking technique, and W/L ratio of retinal arterioles, as assessed by noninvasive flowmetry in normotensive patients and in patients with primary hypertension. Two hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent renal arteries W/L ratio and local carotid-pulse wave velocity (carotid PWV) measurement. One hundred and fifteen patients had a diagnosis of primary hypertension, whereas 112 were normotensive patients. W/L ratio and carotid PWV were both related with clinic SBP (r = 0.17, P < 0.05; r = 0.50, P < 0.001), clinic pulse pressure (r = 0.22, P < 0.001; r = 0.55, P < 0.001), carotid SBP (r = 0.18, P < 0.05; r = 0.51, P < 0.001) and carotid pulse pressure (r = 0.24, P < 0.001; r = 0.56, P < 0.001). W/L ratio was correlated with carotid PWV (r = 0.18, P < 0.005). At multivariate analysis, carotid PWV remained independently associated with W/L ratio. In hypertensive and normotensive patients, carotid stiffness is significantly correlated with W/L ratio of retinal arteries, independently of possible confounders.

Effects of Geiji-Bokryung-Hwan on common carotid artery elasticity and erythrocyte deformability in healthy male subjects – A pilot randomized controlled crossover study

IntroductionArterial elasticity is the significant indicator of atherosclerosis. Recently, the treatment of subclinical atherosclerosis is important for preventing cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of the Korean herbal medicine, Geiji-Bokryung-Hwan (GBH), on carotid arterial elasticity in healthy male subjects. MethodsThis study was conducted with a pilot randomized controlled, cross-over design. Subjects were enrolled in Kyung Hee Medical Center visitors, with meeting criteria, and allocated to the two groups; One group received GBH with water, and the other group received only water at the first phase. The measurements were repeated three times at 2 hourly intervals. After one week of wash-out period, the two groups were repeated using the same procedure. Common carotid strain, erythrocyte deformability, carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and pulse rate values of each subjects were measured before administration and 2, 4 h after administration. ResultsFifteen subjects were enrolled into this study. Common carotid arterial circumference strain after GBH administration showed a significantly different interaction effect as compared to water administration (p < 0.05). There was no statistically difference between the two groups in terms of erythrocyte deformability, carotid intima-media thickness, pulse pressure or pulse rate. ConclusionsThis preliminary study suggests that GBH could improve vascular endothelial wall function by increasing the common carotid artery elasticity in healthy male subjects.

Arterial stiffness and cerebral hemodynamic pulsatility during cognitive engagement in younger and older adults

This study examined central artery stiffness and hemodynamic pulsatility during cognitive engagement in younger and older adults. MethodsVascular-hemodynamic measures were completed in 19 younger (age 35±1yrs) and 20 older (age 69±2yrs) adults at rest and during a Stroop task. Aortic stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, PWV) and carotid pulse pressure (PP) were assessed using applanation tonometry. Carotid stiffness was assessed as a single-point PWV using Doppler Ultrasound. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean flow and flow pulsatility index (PI) were assessed using transcranial Doppler. Cognitive function was assessed as accuracy and reaction time from the Stroop task. ResultsOlder adults had lower accuracy scores and longer reaction times on the Stroop task compared to younger adults (p<0.05). Both age groups had similar increases in MCA mean flow during Stroop (p<0.05). There were significant increases in aortic PWV, carotid PWV, carotid PP and MCA PI during Stroop in older but not younger adults (p<0.05). Carotid PP and MCA PI assessed during Stroop were statistical mediators of the association between age group and Stroop performance metrics (accuracy and reaction time, p<0.05), while aortic and carotid PWV were indirect statistical mediators of MCA PI through carotid PP (p<0.05). ConclusionsOlder adults experience increases in large artery stiffness during cognitive engagement possibly preventing effective buffering of pulsatile hemodynamic energy entry into the cerebrovasculature. This is important as pulsatile flow during cognitive engagement, and not mean flow per se, was related to overall cognitive performance.

Desperate times call for desperate measures

It is 5 pm on New Year’s Eve and you are on service as an emergency physician in training for the London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The London Ambulance Service Control informs you of a stabbing incident in the town of Watford, England. Your helicopter arrives on the scene 10 minutes after the call and 13 minutes after the incident, along with land ambulance and police. After the scene is declared safe, you are directed to the patient, JJ, a 24-year-old male who has suffered a stabbing outside of a local bar. His friend, who made the call to EMS, tells you JJ lost consciousness about 3 minutes after the insult. The patient has no signs of life, with no palpable carotid pulse or measurable blood pressure. He is apneic and his pupils are fixed and dilated. You notice a 2-cm wound in the midclavicular line, just superior to the left nipple, consistent with a penetrating stab wound. Cardiac monitors are attached and show an initial rhythm of asystole. Closed cardiac massage is undertaken immediately with rescue breaths given using bag-valve-mask. Simultaneously, the patient is cannulated in both antecubital fossae and is administered 1 mg adrenaline with 1000 mL 0.9% saline. Emergent decompressive needle thoracotomy is performed on the left chest by placing a 14-gauge, 3.5-inch angiographic catheter into the chest cavity at the midclavicular line in the second interspace. There is no release of air but periodic bubbles and blood appear to come from the left lung. After 2 minutes of unsuccessful CPR, there is still no palpable pulse and you notice the patient’s neck veins are distended, with normal air entry and no dullness to percussion in the left hemithorax. Your helicopter is about 10 minutes away from the nearest major trauma centre.

Carotid flow pulsatility is higher in women with greater decrement in gait speed during multi-tasking

AimCentral arterial hemodynamics is associated with cognitive impairment. Reductions in gait speed during walking while performing concurrent tasks known as dual-tasking (DT) or multi-tasking (MT) is thought to reflect the cognitive cost that exceeds neural capacity to share resources. We hypothesized that central vascular function would associate with decrements in gait speed during DT or MT. MethodsGait speed was measured using a motion capture system in 56 women (30–80y) without mild-cognitive impairment. Dual-tasking was considered walking at a fast-pace while balancing a tray. Multi-tasking was the DT condition plus subtracting by serial 7′s. Applanation tonometry was used for measurement of aortic stiffness and central pulse pressure. Doppler-ultrasound was used to measure blood flow velocity and β-stiffness index in the common carotid artery. ResultsThe percent change in gait speed was larger for MT than DT (14.1±11.2 vs. 8.7±9.6%, p <0.01). Tertiles were formed based on the percent change in gait speed for each condition. No vascular parameters differed across tertiles for DT. In contrast, carotid flow pulsatility (1.85±0.43 vs. 1.47±0.42, p=0.02) and resistance (0.75±0.07 vs. 0.68±0.07, p=0.01) indices were higher in women with more decrement (third tertile) as compared to women with less decrement (first tertile) in gait speed during MT after adjusting for age, gait speed, and task error. Carotid pulse pressure and β-stiffness did not contribute to these tertile differences. ConclusionElevated carotid flow pulsatility and resistance are characteristics found in healthy women that show lower cognitive capacity to walk and perform multiple concurrent tasks.

Associations between common carotid artery diameter, Framingham risk score and cardiovascular events

Background and aimsVascular biomarkers are associated with risk burden and are capable to predict the development of future cardiovascular (CV) events; yet, their additive predictive value over and above established risk algorithms seems to be only modest. The present study evaluated the cross–sectional associations between vascular biomarkers, 10-year Framingham risk (FR) and prevalent CV events in a population with a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. Methods and resultsAs many as 681 subjects (419 men, age = 60 ± 10 years, 282 diabetics, 335 hypertensives, mean FR score = 22.5 ± 16.5%) underwent an integrated vascular examination including: radiofrequency-based ultrasound of common carotid artery (cca) to measure intima-media thickness (IMT), inter-adventitial diameter (IAD) and local pulse wave velocity (PWV); applanation tonometry to assess carotid pulse pressure (PP) and augmentation index (AIx); carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) measurement. One hundred and thirty-five subjects (19.8%) had history of CV events, and CV events were independently associated with male sex, age, antihypertensive treatment, current smoking, HDL-cholesterol and ccaIAD. In logistic regression model, only ccaIAD was associated with prevalence of CV events after adjustment for FR score, with the OR of 1.71 [1.34–2.19] (P < 0.0001) that remained unchanged when ccaIMT was included into the model (OR = 1.76 [1.36–2.27]; P < 0.0001). The association between prevalent CV events and ccaIAD was significant (OR of 1.65 [1.24–2.20]; P = 0.0005) also in a subgroup of subjects being at a high 10-year risk of CV disease (N = 330). ConclusionsIn a population with a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, ccaIAD was the only vascular measure associated with prevalent CV events, independently of FR score.

Lower Heart Rate Variability Is Associated with Lower Pulse Pressure Amplification: Role of Obesity

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV), pulse pressure amplification, and obesity represent risk factors for cardiovascular events. The aims of the present study are (1) to explore the impact of HRV on pulse pressure amplification and (2) to investigate whether the association between HRV and pulse pressure amplification differs in obese and lean subjects. Methods: A total of 342 patients (age 61 ± 11 years) were enrolled. HRV was analyzed concerning both the frequency and time domain as well as concerning the HRV triangular index. Pulse pressure amplification was estimated as the ratio between brachial and carotid pulse pressure, the latter measured with SphygmoCor. Results: Time domain HRV indices were directly correlated with pulse pressure amplification (the lower the HRV indices, the lower the pulse pressure amplification). This association was stronger in obese than in lean subjects after controlling for age and sex. Conclusion: Larger controlled studies are needed to provide a more detailed insight into the relation between HRV and pulse pressure amplification and to determine which pathways are differentially activated in lean and obese subjects.

PS 11-47 ARTERIAL RESERVOIR FUNCTIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE HEART FAILURE SYNDROME

Objective: Excessive arterial wave reflections play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute heart failure (AHF). Alternatively, the pulsatile hemodynamics can be analyzed by a reservoir wave model incorporating elements from both reservoir functions and wave analysis. The present study investigated the prognostic values of the arterial reservoir functions in AHF. Design and Method: A total of 220 AHF patients (70 ± 15 years, 76.8% men, 66.8% HFrEF) were enrolled and followed for one year after discharge. Measures of the pulsatile hemodynamics, including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), carotid pulse pressure (PPc), carotid augmentation index (cAI), carotid augmentation pressure (cAP), the amplitude of reflected wave (Pb), and those based on the reservoir wave model: excess pressure integral (XSPI), reservoir pressure integral (PRI), amplitude of reservoir pressure (Pres), and systolic and diastolic rate constant, were obtained before discharge. Results: During a mean follow-up of 305 ± 108 days, a total of 91 subjects incurred either AHF re-admission or mortality. Patients with post-discharge events were older, had lower eGFR, higher cf-PWV, PPc, cAI, cAP and Pb, and higher XSPI, Pres, and diastolic rate constant. PPc, Pb, XSPI and diastolic rate constant remained significantly independently associated with the post-discharge events (HR and 95%CI per-1SD: 1.36, 1.10–1.68; 1.14, 1.04–1.24; 1.29,1.04–1.59; 1.37,1.03–1.82, respectively) in a multi-variable Cox model accounting for age, sex, eGFR and NTproBNP. Using a backward stepwise model, both XSPI and diastolic rate constant but not PPc or Pb, persistently stayed in the prediction model (1.37, 1.11–1.70 and 1.56, 1.16–2.09, respectively). Combining PPc and diastolic rate constant further stratified the risks of the patients. (Figure) In addition, the add-on of XSPI and diastolic rate constant to the prediction model of baseline characteristics and PPc improved the net reclassification by 7.2% (P = 0.044). Conclusions: Arterial reservoir functions measured by the reservoir wave model are independent prognostic indicators in patients with AHF. Combining parameters of wave reflections arterial reservoir functions may further improve the prediction of post-discharge adverse events.

One-hour post-load hyperglycemia combined with HbA1c identifies pre-diabetic individuals with a higher cardio-metabolic risk burden

Background and aimsEvidence suggests that combining 1-hour plasma glucose ≥155 mg/dl during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) significantly increases their predictive power for incident diabetes, while their individual and joint associations with cardio-metabolic risk factors remain undefined. Herein, we evaluated whether 1-hour post-load plasma glucose ≥155 mg/dl combined with HbA1c may identify pre-diabetic individuals with a higher cardio-metabolic risk. MethodsAnthropometric and metabolic characteristics, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion assessed by OGTT-derived indexes, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse pressure, and rate pressure product were evaluated in 1495 individuals. ResultsAs compared with subjects with 1-hour post-load glucose <155 mg/dl, individuals with 1-hour post-load glucose ≥155 mg/dl exhibited a significantly worse cardio metabolic profile, both in the group with HbA1c <5.7%, and in the group with prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%). Specifically, in both groups, subjects with 1-hour post-load glucose ≥155 mg/dl had higher fasting and 2-h post-load glucose (p < 0.0001 for all in both groups), higher HOMA-IR (p < 0.0001 in both groups), and carotid IMT (p = 0.05 in the group with HbA1c <5.7% and p = 0.03 in the group HbA1c 5.7–6.4%), as well as lower Matsuda index, insulinogenic index and disposition index (p < 0.0001 in both groups), and lower insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (p < 0.0001 in the group with HbA1c <5.7% and p = 0.03 in the group HbA1c 5.7–6.4%). ConclusionsHyperglycemia at 1-hour during an OGTT may be a useful tool to identify a subset of individuals within HbA1c-defined glycemic categories at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Aortic stiffness and change in glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria in older people.

Aortic stiffness increases with age and increases pulsatile stress in the microcirculation. Abnormalities in kidney microvascular structure and function may contribute to development or progression of chronic kidney disease in older people. We performed a longitudinal analysis of 629 community-dwelling elderly Icelandic adults from the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study with two visits over a mean follow-up of 5.3 years. We evaluated the associations of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV), carotid pulse pressure (CPP) and augmentation index (AI), with the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) assessed as annual change and dichotomized as large changes. Models were adjusted for age, sex, height, heart rate, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and baseline kidney measures. When eGFR was analyzed as a continuous variable, higher baseline CFPWV and CPP, but not AI, were significantly associated with a larger annual decline in eGFR in models adjusted for age, sex, height, heart rate and baseline eGFR, but not after additional adjustment for the mean arterial pressure. When eGFR was analyzed as a categorical variable, higher CFPWV was significantly associated with a decrease in eGFR of ≥3 mL/min/1.73 m 2 /year [odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.13] and higher AI was associated with 30% eGFR decline during follow-up (OR 1.44 and 95% CI 1.03-2.00) in fully adjusted models. None of the tonometry measures was associated with change in UACR. Abnormalities in vascular health may play a role in large declines in eGFR beyond the traditional cardiovascular disease risks in this older Icelandic cohort.

Flow Mediated Dilatation, Carotid Intima Media Thickness, Ankle Brachial Pressure Index and Pulse Pressure in Young Male Post Myocardial Infarction Patients in India.

Due to increase in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) at a younger age, we should try to diagnose atherosclerotic process and population at risk, at the earliest. Flow Mediated Dilatation (FMD), Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) and Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) are probable markers for early atherosclerosis and may be useful in coronary risk stratification. To compare and correlate the FMD, CIMT, ABI and Pulse Pressure (PP) in young male patients of Myocardial Infarction (MI) with age and sex matched healthy controls. Eighty male patients of MI aged ≤45 years, who presented to the Cardiac Care Unit and Department of Medicine of Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India, from November 2010 to April 2012 were recruited consecutively for this case control study and same number of age and sex matched healthy controls were also analyzed. Six weeks after MI, FMD of the brachial artery, intima media thickness of carotid artery, ABPI and PP were measured in the cases and compared with healthy controls. The FMD was lower among young patients of MI than controls (p<0.001). CIMT was higher among cases than controls (p=0.001). ABI was lower among cases than controls (p<0.001). Compared to controls, PP was higher among cases (p=0.001). In all subjects, a negative correlation between FMD and CIMT (r=-0.220, p=0.005) and a positive correlation between FMD and ABPI (r=0.304, p<0.001) was found. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between endothelial dependent FMD and PP among cases and control groups (r=-0.209, p=0.007). Biophysical parameters were deranged in young post MI patients. Majority of our young male patients fell in low risk Framingham risk score but still they manifested with CAD. Despite six weeks of treatment among young male patients of MI, various biophysical parameters were still deranged.

Aerobic Exercise Training and Arterial Changes in African Americans versus Caucasians.

African Americans (AA) have increased carotid artery intima-media thickness and decreased vascular function compared with their Caucasian (CA) peers. Aerobic exercise prevents and potentially reverses arterial dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8 wk of moderate- to high-intensity aerobic training in young healthy sedentary AA and CA men and women. Sixty-four healthy volunteers (men, 28; women, 36) with mean age 24 yr underwent measures of arterial structure, function, and blood pressure (BP) variables at baseline, after the 4-wk control period, and 8 wk after training. There was a significant increase in VO2peak among both groups after exercise training. Brachial systolic BP decreased significantly after the control period in both groups but not after exercise training. Carotid pulse pressure decreased significantly in both groups after exercise training as compared with that in baseline. There was no change in any of the other BP variables. AA had higher intima-media thickness at baseline and after the control period but it significantly decreased after exercise training compared with that of CA. AA had significantly lower baseline forearm blood flow and reactive hyperemia compared with those of CA, but exercise training had no effect on these variables. There was no significant difference in arterial stiffness (central pulse wave velocity) and wave-reflection (augmentation index) between the two groups at any time point. This is the first study to show that 8 wk of aerobic exercise training causes significant improvement in the arterial structure in young, healthy AA, making it comparable with the CA and with minimal effects on BP variables.

Carotid pulse pressure assessment by means of an accelerometric sensor

Carotid pulse pressure assessment by means of an accelerometric sensor

Relationship Between Carotid Atherosclerosis and Pulse Pressure with Renal Hemodynamics in Hypertensive Patients.

Structural atherosclerotic damage, arterial stiffness, pulse pressure (PP), and renal hemodynamics may interact and influence each other. Renal resistance index (RRI) appears as a good indicator of systemic vascular changes. The aim of our study was to assess the independent relationships of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), and peripheral PP with RRI in hypertensives with various degrees of renal function. We enrolled 463 hypertensive patients (30-70 years) with normal renal function (group 0; n = 280) and with chronic kidney disease (groups I-V; n = 183). All subjects underwent ultrasonographic examination of intrarenal and carotid vasculature, as well as a 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A statistically significant difference in RRI, cIMT, aPWV, and clinic PP was observed in the different 6 groups (all P < 0.001), even after adjustment for age. RRI correlated with cIMT (r = 0.460, P < 0.001), aPWV (r = 0.386, P < 0.001), clinic PP (r = 0.279, P < 0.001), and 24-h PP (r = 0.229, P < 0.001) in the entire study population. These correlations were similar in subjects with and without renal dysfunction. In the overall study population, the association between RRI, cIMT, and clinic PP remained statistically significant even after adjustment for various confounding factors, whereas the relationship between RRI and aPWV was lost in multivariate analysis. cIMT and clinic PP rather than directly aPWV are associated with intrarenal hemodynamics. Our results confirm that in hypertensives RRI not only detects derangement of intrarenal circulation but may also be considered as a sensor of systemic vascular changes, independently of level of renal function.

Night-time electromechanical activation time, pulsatile hemodynamics, and discharge outcomes in patients with acute heart failure.

AimsBoth electromechanical activation time (EMAT) and pulsatile hemodynamics measured during the hospitalization course are useful in the prediction of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS). We investigated whether night‐time monitoring of EMAT with the ambulatory acoustic cardiography is superior to the measures of pulsatile hemodynamics for prediction of AHFS post‐discharge outcomes.Methods and resultsA total of 97 patients (71.1 ± 15.4 years old, 81% male, and 73.8% systolic heart failure) hospitalized for AHFS were included. Before discharge, 24 h ambulatory acoustic cardiography and a comprehensive echocardiographic and pulsatile hemodynamic study were performed to assess the mean 24 h, daytime, and night‐time EMAT, carotid systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP), amplitude of the reflected pressure wave from a decomposed carotid pressure wave (Pb), and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), in addition to measurement of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels. During a mean follow‐up of 389 ± 281 days, 49 patients (50.5%) experienced events including re‐hospitalization for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. Pulsatile hemodynamics, including carotid SBP and PP and Pb, but not cfPWV, and night‐time EMAT, but not daytime EMAT, significantly predicted post‐discharge events when age and NT‐proBNP were accounted for (all P < 0.05). In a final model with adjustment for age and NT‐proBNP, night‐time EMAT, but not Pb, significantly predicted post‐discharge events [hazard ratio per 1 SD and 95% confidence intervals: 1.33 (1.05–1.69), P < 0.05].ConclusionPre‐discharge night‐time EMAT may be a better predictor for post‐discharge adverse events than the measures of the pulsatile hemodynamics in patients with AHFS.