Vascular Stiffness In Patients Research Articles

Correction to “Prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular stiffness in patients with solid malignancies”

Andreeva OV, Semenov NN, Shchekochikhin DYu, Novikova AI, Potemkina NA, Ozova MA, Kuli-Zade ZA, Levina VD, Shmeleva AA, Poltavskaya MG. Prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular stiffness in patients with solid malignancies. Almanac of Clinical Medicine. 2022;50(2):103–110. doi: 10.18786/2072-0505-2022-50-022. Published online 13 July 2022
 Table 2, instead of
 “Phase shift, m/s” 
 should read
 “Phase shift, ms” 
 This error does not affect the conclusions of the article. Both the HTML and PDF versions have been updated. Almanac of Clinical Medicine journal apologizes for the error.

Features of the arterial hypertension course and arterial stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis who get infected COVID-19

Objective: to evaluate the features of development and course of arterial hypertension (AH) and changes in vascular stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who underwent COVID-19. Materials and methods: 60 patients with a reliable diagnosis of AS were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence of COVID - 19 in anamnesis. The main group consisted of 30 patients with AS who had suffered COVID-19 of varying severity during the previous 12 months. The comparison group consisted of 30 patients with AS who had no laboratory and clinically confirmed COVID-19 infection within the last year. Patients were interviewed regarding the severity of their previous coronavirus infection and persisting symptoms in the post-COVID-19 period. AS activity was evaluated by ASDAS (CRB, BASDAI-index). BP measurement and study of arterial stiffness parameters by oscillographic method, evaluation of the results of ambulatory BP measurement were performed. Results: 6 (20%) patients had BP destabilization at the outpatient stage during home BP measurement early after COVID-19. After 12 months, BP elevation persisted in only 2 (7%) patients, the rest had BP stabilization with withdrawal of antihypertensive drugs. No correlation between BP level, arterial stiffness and AS activity was found. There was a weak inverse correlation between the severity of coronavirus infection and the level of systolic blood pressure, between age and pulse wave velocity. No significant differences in systolic, diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation index were found in patients with AS with and without coronavirus infection. In the main group, 1 fatal outcome due to the development of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction 6 months after COVID-19 was recorded, and no adverse cardiovascular events were registered among patients in the comparison group. Conclusion: it was hypothesized that patients with AS who underwent COVID-19 would be more likely to show BP elevation than those who did not undergo COVID-19. It was found that early after COVID-19 (first three months) a reversible increase in BP without significant changes in arterial stiffness is possible. However, no significant differences in the frequency of BP elevation, BP level, and arterial stiffness were found in patients with AS and COVID-19 or without COVID-19 in anamnesis.

Abstract #1556067: Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Vascular Stiffness in Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract #1556067: Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Vascular Stiffness in Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy

The effect of statin therapy on the elastic properties of blood vessels in patients with arterial hypertension

Annotation. It is common knowledge that the elastic properties of blood vessels change with age. Many domestic and foreign authors acknowledge the impact of the increase in stiffness and decrease in elasticity of large arteries on the pathogenesis of most cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the development of arterial hypertension. The aim is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on vascular stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension. 75 patients with arterial hypertension aged 44.4±0.99 years were examined. 15 apparently healthy individuals were selected for the control group. All patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the therapy. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements were performed twice using the generally accepted carotid-femoral technique. The inclusion criteria for participation in the study were: patient age up to 59 years; arterial hypertension of the I and II degrees. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 program. The significance of the differences between the groups in quantitative terms was assessed using the Student's t-test. In all the studied groups, the initial index of PWV exceeded its norm. Against the background of treatment, a significant decrease in this indicator was observed in all 3 groups. The most positive effect was obtained in patients who additionally received statins. Rosuvastatin showed the best results. Thus, the modern strategy of treating patients with arterial hypertension should also be aimed at achieving regression of vascular remodeling. The use of statins improves the elastic properties of blood vessels.

PS-C34-8: INFLUENCE OF RISK FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Introduction: Arterial stiffness is an unfavorable prognostic marker in patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Early diagnosis of the development of arterial stiffness contributes to the selection of pathogenetic therapy aimed at vascular protection. As noted in the recommendations for hypertension, markers of vascular damage in hypertension are pulse pressure (PP) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) > 10 m/s. However, in the conditions of practical medicine in our republic, there is no possibility of applanation tonometry to assess PWV. Aim: to search for risk factors associated with the early development of arterial stiffness in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Material and Methods: 133 patients with an average age of 59.13 ± 8.18 years with uncontrolled hypertension, 22.5% of who were smokers. All patients underwent office blood pressure measurements, ECG, duplex scanning of the carotid arteries, applanation tonometry to determine PWV (Sphygmocor, Atcor, Australia) on the segment of the carotid-femoral artery, lipid spectrum, creatinine, and blood serum glucose. Results: Office systolic, diastolic and pulse BP (SBP, DBP and PP) were 164.92 ± 19.0 mm Hg, 99.2 ± 9.08 mm Hg, 65.73 ± 13.67 mm Hg, which corresponded to 2 degrees of arterial hypertension. Central SBP, DBP and PP: 166.96 ± 29.75 mm Hg, 84.8 ± 14.59 mm Hg, PD 81.96 mm Hg. respectively. An increase in PP characterized the development of vascular stiffness in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. At the same time, PWV was 10.8 ± 2.03 m/s; in 60% of patients, PWV exceeded the standard values (> 10 m/s). There was a thickening of the thickness of the intima-media complex (IMC) of the common carotid artery up to 1.11 ± 0.18 mm. The correlation analysis performed showed a direct correlation between PWV and the age of patients (r = 0.383, p = 0.0001), tobacco smoking (r = 0.2, p = 0.004), SBP (r = 0.15, p = 0.046), blood glucose level (r = 0.2, p = 0.008), CMM thickness (r = 0.3, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The results showed an association of age, SBP, smoking, fasting glucose levels, IMT thickness with the development of arterial stiffness in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. These markers can be determined at the primary health care level and included in the stratification of the risk of vascular damage in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

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.

Prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular stiffness in patients with solid malignancies

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as one of the early markers of cardiovascular disorders. It is supposed to be a potential predictor of cardiovascular complications in patients receiving adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
 Aim: To estimate the prevalence of endothelial dysfunction in solid cancer patients compared to that in individuals without any malignancies.
 Materials and methods: This observational study included 74 patients with solid malignancies, mostly gastrointestinal. Prior to polychemotherapy, all patients were examined for endothelial function of small and large arteries (AngioScan-01, Fiton, Russia) and peripheral artery stiffness (pulse wave contour analysis and occlusion test). The results were compared with those of the Russian population trials of endothelial dysfunction – Meridian-RO (Ryazan region) and trial in the rural population of the Krasnodar region.
 Results: Compromised vasodilation and smaller arteries tone were found in 64.9% (48/74) of the cancer patients, while impaired vasodilation of larger muscular arteries was present in 94.6% (70/74) of the patients. According to the Meridian-RO trial in the Ryazan region, endothelial dysfunction had been found in 51.2% (n = 341) of women and 52.4% (n = 300) of men, whereas the Krasnodar regional population data had shown it in 68.4% (n = 353) of women and 71.7% (n = 253) of men.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of endothelial dysfunction in the patients with solid malignancies, who have not undergone any chemo- or radiation therapy, is significantly higher than in the population of comparable age, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and comorbidities. No significant increase of vascular stiffness was identified.

Role of Echocardiography in Evaluation of the Effects of Sacubitril–Valsartan on Vascular Stiffness in Patients with Heart Failure: Review Article

Role of Echocardiography in Evaluation of the Effects of Sacubitril–Valsartan on Vascular Stiffness in Patients with Heart Failure: Review Article

192 Study of endothelial function and vascular stiffness in patients affected by dilated cardiomyopathy on treatment with sacubitril/valsartan

Abstract Aims It has already been demonstrated the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but many of its properties are still unknown especially regarding its effects on endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Methods and results To this purpose, a longitudinal study involving 15 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was started; the purpose was collecting at the beginning and at the end of the study blood pressure measurements, transthoracic echocardiography images, parameters of endothelial function with peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT®), and non-invasive evaluation of the aortic stiffness parameters by using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor® Px system). Aortic stiffness parameters weren’t different at 6 months, compared to baseline. There was a slight, not significant increase in augmentation pressure (P = 0.889), augmentation index (P = 0.906), and sphygmic wave velocity (P = 0.263). Systolic, diastolic, and differential central arterial pressure didn’t change. RHI (reactive hyperaemia index) increased significantly after 6 months (P = 0.001) as well as augmentation index corrected for 75 b.p.m. Ejection fraction (32.21% ± 5.7 to 38.43% ± 8.4; P = 0.010) and diastolic dysfunction degree (P = 0.021) improved significantly. Mitral regurgitation improvement wasn’t statistically significant (P = 0.116). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion didn’t change while pulmonary systolic arterial pressure increased, although not significantly (22.83 mmHg ± 4 to 27.33 mmHg ± 6; P = 0.068) and within the normal range values. Conclusions Sacubitril/valsartan can improve endothelial function significantly in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and reduced LVEF. It can also improve left ventricular function, mitral regurgitation, and diastolic function. Conversely, this drug seems to have no effects on vascular stiffness.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of statin and spironolactone by the influence on indicators of vascular stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension

Abstract Introduction The possibility of slowing down vascular remodeling in hypertensive patients with the combined effect of antihypertensive drugs and statins has been studied in unitary studies. The effect of spironolactone on vascular stiffness in relation to the severity of the hypotensive effect in combination therapy has also been insufficiently studied. The aim of the research was to study the dynamics vascular stiffness parameters in hypertension patients of high/very high cardiovascular risk in addition rosuvastatin or spironolactone to combined two-component amlodipine and lisinopril therapy. Methods 90 patients (46 men and 44 women aged 51.6±8.5) with hypertension were randomized into groups: the first group received a fixed combination of amlodipine/lisinopril, the 2nd one followed the same regimen of therapy with addition of 20 mg rosuvastatin, the third - in addition to the combination of amlodipine / lisinopril received 25 mg of spironolactone. The office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP), central (aortic) BP, augmentation index (AIx), carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated before and after a 24-week follow-up period. Results The office and average daily blood pressure decreased against the background of all therapy regimens (all p<0.0001). The degree of decrease in the above parameters was more pronounced under the influence of spironolactone, compared with taking a combination of amlodipine / lisinopril (office systolic BP (SBP) p=0.04 and diastolic BP (DBP) p=0.002, average daily SBP p=0.02 and DBP p=0.014) and office DBP in comparison with the group of additional administration of rosuvastatin (p=0.02). A decrease in central BP and AIx was noted in all groups. A more pronounced decrease in AIx occurred in the statin supplementation group relative to the standard treatment group (−5.8% and −9.0%, respectively, p=0.036). Carotid-femoral PWV significantly decreased in all groups (−0.9±1.5 m/s, −0.7±1.4 m/s, −2.2±2.6 m/s, respectively), in greater degree in the spironolactone addition group compared with the statin supplementation group (p=0.036). Carotid-radial PWV to the same extent significantly decreased only in the second (from 9.5±1.8 to 8.8±1.1 m/s (p=0.034)) and the third (from 9.8±1.3 to 8.4±1.3 m/s (p=0.0002)) groups. Conclusions The addition of a statin to a two-component combination of amlodipine / lisinopril in the treatment of hypertensive patients had an additional effect on the elastic properties of the aorta, in the form of a decrease in the augmentation index, and peripheral arteries, in the form of a decrease in PWV. The addition of spironolactone to standard therapy was accompanied by a significant increase in the antihypertensive effect and a decrease in aortic stiffness in the form of a more pronounced decrease in PWV in the carotid-femoral and carotid-radial areas. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Независимые факторы сердечно-сосудистого риска: гипергомоцистеинемия и жесткость сосудов у больных с артериальной гипертензией

Актуальность. Определение факторов риска и проведение предварительной оценки общего сердечно-сосудистого риска (ССР) у пациентов с артериальной гипертензией (АГ) — самая важная задача в клинической практике. У большинства пациентов, помимо повышенного артериального давления (АД), отмечаются и другие факторы ССР, усиливающие друг друга, что приводит к увеличению общего ССР. Одним из факторов ССР является жесткость артерий. Определение жесткости артерий проводят с помощью метода определения скорости распространения пульсовой волны (СРПВ). Вторым независимым фактором риска развития сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний является повышенный уровень гомоцистеина (ГЦ) в крови. Цель: оценить связь гипергомоцистеинемии (ГГц) с жесткостью сосудов у пациентов с АГ. Материалы и методы. Наше исследование было выполнено в рамках исследования ХИПСТЕР в Украине. В исследование было включено 40 пациентов с I и II степенью АГ (средний уровень офисного систолического (САД)/диастолического АД — 155,88/92,60 ± 1,63/1,43 мм рт.ст.), частота сердечных сокращений — 71,40 ± 1,29 уд/мин. Средний возраст больных составил 55,85 ± 2,09 года (26–74). Пациентов с уровнем ГЦ ≥ 10 мкмоль/л определяли как пациентов с ГГц (Н-тип АГ). Жесткость сосудов определяли по СРПВ. Результаты. Нами выявлено, что в начале исследования 75% (30 пациентов с мягкой и умеренной АГ) имели Н-тип АГ с повышенным уровнем ГЦ. Пациенты с Н-типом АГ (ГГц) и АГ без ГГц не отличались по возрасту, длительности АГ. При этом пациенты с Н-типом АГ имели большие массу тела, индекс массы тела (ИМТ). Офисное САД у пациентов с Н-типом АГ в начале и через 6 месяцев лечения было выше по сравнению с пациентами без ГГц (156,45 ±1,04 мм рт.ст. против 152,55 ± 1,41 мм рт.ст. в начале (р < 0,05) и 130,65 ± 0,96 мм рт.ст. против 126,97±1,08мм рт.ст. через 6 месяцев (р < 0,05)). ИМТ в начале исследования с Н-типом АГ — 30,72 ± 0,39 кг/м2 против 28,34 ± 0,69 кг/м2 без ГГц (р < 0,05). Пациенты с Н-типом АГ хуже достигали целевых уровней АД на фоне лечения, и у них изначально были высокие показатели АД. Пациенты с Н-типом АГ по сравнению с пациентами без ГГц имели более выраженную степень инсулинорезистентности (по уровню индекса НОМА), меньшую скорость клубочковой фильтрации как в начале, так и в конце лечения. По данным суточного мониторирования АД до начала лечения пациенты с Н-типом АГ по сравнению с пациентами с АГ без ГГц имели достоверно более высокий уровень САД. После регрессионного анализа уровень гомоцистеина ассоциировался со СРПВ по артериям эластичного типа (СРПВэл) независимо от степени снижения АД (СРПВэл (6 месяцев), м/с, β = 0,307, Р = 0,001). Выводы. Мужской пол, индекс массы тела, скорость клубочковой фильтрации, уровень глюкозы крови, уровень офисного и центрального артериального давления ассоциировались с повышением уровня гомоцистеина крови у пациентов с артериальной гипертензией.

Fixed combination of ramipril and indapamide in patients with hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: focus on the large arteries

Objective.To assess the effect of antihypertensive therapy with ramipril and indapamide on the elasticity of the vascular wall of the large arteries in relation to insulin resistance and chronic low-intensity inflammation in patients with hypertension (HTN) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Design and methods.An open prospective controlled study was conducted: 30 patients with HTN stage I–II in combination with NAFLD (Fatty Liver Index (FLI) > 60) at the age of 45–65 years were included. Washout period was scheduled 5–7 days before the baseline examination, followed by the prescription of one of the fixed combinations of ramipril (2,5/5 mg/day) and indapamide (0,625/1,25 mg), depending on the required dosage (Konsilar-D 24 VERTEX AO, Russia) and were given recommendations on lifestyle changes and weight loss. A clinical examination was carried out, indicators of daily blood pressure (BP) monitoring and central aortic pressure (CAP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, chronic low-intensity inflammation and the severity of insulin resistance before and after treatment were analyzed.Results.After 24-week therapy with a fixed combination of ramipril and indapamide at an average dosage of 4,04 ± 1,24 and 1,01 ± 0,31 mg, respectively, 100% of patients with HTN and NAFLD achieved target BP levels. According to 24-hour BP monitoring data, a significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) was observed, both in the daytime (Δ12 mm Hg, р = 0,0001; Δ5,5 mm Hg, р = 0,0019, respectively), and at night (Δ13,5 mm Hg, р = 0,0006; Δ5,5 mm Hg, р = 0,0054, respectively). In addition, there was a significant decrease in CAP in the daytime (SBPao p = 0,0011, DBPao p = 0,0022) and night hours (SBPao p = 0,0015, DBPao p = 0,00124), and a statistically significant decrease in augmentation index (day p = 0,0460, night p = 0,0182). When evaluating clinical data and bioimpedance measurements, a decrease in waist circumference (p = 0,0000), hip circumference (p = 0,0001), the proportion of subcutaneous (p = 0,0134) and visceral (p = 0,0019) fat was found, which may indicate a decrease in the severity of visceral obesity. Also, during treatment, there is a decrease in the severity of insulin resistance (and the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (p < 0,0001) and CRP (p = 0,0002) in blood plasma. Finally, fixed combination of ramipril and indapamide led to a significant decrease in vascular stiffness (p = 0,0166) and a decrease in the proportion of patients with PWV paradoxical test (p = 0,0320). Correlation analysis showed that increased stiffness of the large arteries in patients with HTN and NAFLD is closely related to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. At the same time, after 24-week therapy by a fixed combination of ramipril and indapamide, a decrease in the vascular stiffness in patients with HTN and NAFLD significantly correlated with the TNF-α concentration.Conclusions.A 24-week therapy by the fixed combination of ramipril and indapamide iin patients with HTN and NAFLD is associated with the persistent decrease in BP and CAP, both during the day and at night. There was a decrease in the vascular rigidity in muscular arteries. The treatment and recommendations for changing the lifestyle are associated with the decrease in the severity of abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, as well as the decrease in the severity of low-intensity systemic inflammation in patients with HTN and NAFLD, and a significant correlation was established between a decrease in TNF-α and an increase in the vascular elasticity of muscle and elastic type arteries.

Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Kidney Disease Study: Rationale and Design

Introduction: Atherosclerosis, inflammation, and vascular stiffness are prominent interrelated risk factors contributing to the high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with CKD. Conventional CVD management strategies in CKD largely target atherosclerotic CVD and have had a limited impact on the cardiovascular mortality in this population. Multiple in vivo and in vitro studies and epidemiological evidence from the rheumatologic cohorts have shown that low-dose hydroxychloroquine has beneficial effects on inflammation, endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic syndrome. Our recent proof-of-concept animal study showed that hydroxychloroquine has marked protection against atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness. We hypothesize that hydroxychloroquine has the potential to provide significant cardiovascular benefits in patients with CKD. Methods: The Management of Cardiovascular disease in Kidney disease study (NCT 03636152) is a phase 2B, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effects of low-dose hydroxychloroquine therapy on the parameters of atherosclerosis, inflammation, and vascular stiffness in patients with CKD. The study plans to enroll 100 CKD patients estimated to be at high cardiovascular risk by a combination of low estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria and treat them for 18 months with hydroxychloroquine or placebo in 1:1 allocation. Results: The study will assess the change in the total carotid plaque volume as measured by serial noncontrast carotid MRI as the primary outcome and the serial changes in plasma inflammation markers, vascular stiffness, renal function, and the composition characteristics of the carotid plaque as secondary outcome measures. Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this trial will provide the proof-of-applicability for hydroxychloroquine in the CVD in CKD. If positive, this trial should lead to phase-3 trials with clinical end points for this potentially transformative, novel, and inexpensive therapy for CVD in CKD.

Ischemic Conditioning Ameliorated Hypertension and Vascular Remodeling of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat via Inflammatory Regulation.

Vascular remodeling is an initial step in the development of hypertension. Limb remote ischemic conditioning (LRIC) is a physiological treatment that induces endogenous protective effect during acute ischemic injury. However, the impact of long-term LRIC on hypertension, a chronic disease, is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the LRIC effect on blood pressure and vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model and patients with prehypertension and early-stage hypertension. LRIC of rats was performed once a day for 6-weeks. Blood pressure, vascular remodeling (cross-sectional area, extracellular deposition, and smooth muscle cell area), inflammation (inflammatory factors, and inflammatory cells) were compared among normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), WKY RIC group, SHR control group, and SHR RIC. Long-term LRCI treatment (twice a day for 4-weeks) was performed on patients with prehypertension or early-stage hypertension. Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were analyzed before and after LRIC treatment. LRIC treatment decreased blood pressure in SHR (n = 9-10). LRIC ameliorated vascular remodeling by decreasing cross-sectional area, suppressing deposition of the extracellular matrix, and hypertrophy of smooth muscle cell in conduit artery and small resistance artery (n = 7). LRIC decreased proinflammatory factors while increasing the anti-inflammatory factors in the circulation (n = 5). LRIC decreased circulating monocyte and natural killer T-cell levels (n = 5). Furthermore, LRIC treatment decreased blood pressure and improved vascular stiffness in patients (n = 20). In conclusion, long term LRIC could decrease blood pressure and ameliorate vascular remodeling via inflammation regulation. LRIC could be a preventive treatment for people with blood pressure elevation or prehypertension.

Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improve Vascular Stiffness in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease involving permanent focal dilation of the abdominal aorta (≥30 mm) that can lead to catastrophic rupture. Destructive remodeling of aortic connective tissue in AAA contributes to wall stiffening, a mechanical parameter of the arterial system linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Since aortic stiffening is associated with AAA progression, treatment options that target vascular inflammation would appear prudent. Given this, and growing evidence indicating robust anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties for long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), this study evaluated the impact of these nutrients (1.8 g/day for 12 weeks) on indices of vascular stiffness in patients with AAA. At baseline, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx75) were significantly higher in patients with AAA compared to control participants (PWV: 14.2 ± 0.4 m.s−1 vs. 12.6 ± 0.4 m.s−1, p = 0.014; AIx75: 26.4 ± 1.7% vs. 17.3 ± 2.7%, p = 0.005). Twelve-week LC n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly decreased PWV (baseline: 14.2 ± 0.6 m.s−1, week 12: 12.8 ± 0.7 m.s−1, p = 0.014) and heart rate (baseline: 63 ± 3 bpm, week 12: 58 ± 3 bpm, p = 0.009) in patients with AAA. No change was observed for patients receiving placebo capsules. While this raises the possibility that LC n-3 PUFAs provide improvements in aortic stiffness in patients with AAA, the clinical implications remain to be fully elucidated.

The effect of various classes of glucose-lowering medications on the blood vessel elasticity in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aim. To study the effect of various classes of glucose-lowering agents (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors) on the vascular stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and high cardiovascular risk.Material and methods. The open-label, prospective 24-week study included 120 patients with T2D and high cardiovascular risk. We evaluated the effect of modern glucose-lowering medications, empagliflozin at a dose of 25 mg/day (SGLT-2 inhibitor) and sitagliptin at a dose of 100 mg/day (DPP-4 inhibitor), on vascular elasticity, central hemodynamic and laboratory parameters.Results. After 24-week therapy, the target glycated hemoglobin level reached 71% and 80% of patients in the sitagliptin and empagliflozin groups, respectively. In both groups, vascular stiffness and central hemodynamic parameters were improved. However, significant changes were recorded only in the empagliflozin (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity decreased by 14,4%, augmentation index — by 6%, central pulse pressure — by 7,8%) (p<0,05). Use of sitagliptin was associated with significant improvements in the lipid profile (total cholesterol decreased by 9,5%, triglycerides — by 21%, low density lipoproteins — by 15,1%; high density lipoproteins increased by 15,7%) (p<0,05). In the empagliflozin group, anthropometric parameters were improved (body mass index decreased by 9,1%, waist circumference — by 4,1%) (p<0,05). Patients in both groups had a significant decrease in HOMA-IR index and highly sensitive C-reactive protein: by 34% and 51,6% in the empagliflozin group and by 31,8% and 22,1% in the sitagliptin group, respectively (p<0,05).Conclusion. The use of empagliflozin is more associated with arterial stiffness decrease in T2D patients with high cardiovascular risk compared with sitagliptin.

Novel biomarkers of kidney injury and fibrosis in patients with different severity of hypertension: relation to vascular reactivity and stiffness

Aim. To compare the relationships between conventional and new potentially more early investigational biomarkers (urine and ultrasound) of kidney injury and central aortic blood pressure, vascular stiffness and reactivity, endothelial dysfunction in patients with different severity of hypertension.Material and methods. Urine levels NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, albuminuria and serum levels of сystatin C and creatinine were measured in 92 hypertensive patients with mild and severe hypertension, 46 male (mean age 50,7±12,2 years). Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by the level of serum creatinine and cystatin C by MDRD and CKD-EPI formulas. Instrumental examination included measuring office blood pressure, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (SpaceLabs 90207), applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor, Artcor Medical) with the calculation of central aortic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index and Doppler ultrasonography with assessment of intraparenchymal renal arterial resistance indices — resistive index and pulsatility index (Vivid 7 dimension). Endothelial function was assessed by reactive hyperemia index with EndoPAT device (Itamar Medicals).Results. There were no differences in conventional levels of biomarkers between patients, however, cystatin C level increased and serum cystatin C estimated GFR and serum creatinine and cystatin C estimated GFR (CKD EPI formula) (sCr,Cys-estimated GFR) levels decreased with the severity of hypertension. These novel biomarkers were associated with increased central aortic blood pressure, arterial stiffness and intraparenchymal renal arterial resistance indices. Decreased sCr,Cys-estimated GFR levels were associated with lower reactive hyperemia index. There were no differences in NGAL, KIM-1 and L-FABP levels in patients with hypertension. However, NGAL levels were associated with increased augmentation index, resistive index in intralobular and pulsatility index in arcuate arteries, KIM-1 and L-FABP levels were associated with increased systolic and diastolic central aortic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity only in patients with severe and resistant hypertension.Conclusion. Serum cystatin C, NGAL, KIM-1 and L-FABP levels seem to be biomarkers of increased systemic and intrarenal vascular stiffness in patients with different severity of hypertension.

The Impact of Valsartan/Amlodipine Single-Pill Combination on Blood Pressure and Vascular Stiffness in Patients with Grade 1-2 Essential Arterial Hypertension

Aim. To investigate the impact of valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination (V/A SPC) on arterial stiffness parameters and 24-hours blood pressure (BP) level in the middle-aged patients with stage II grade 1-2 essential arterial hypertension (HT). Material and methods. A group of patients with stage II grade 1-2 HT who had not previously received regular antihypertensive therapy (n=38, age 49.7±7.0 years) was retrospectively formed. All the patients were treated with V/A SPC and all of them achieved target office BP (<140/90 mm Hg). 12 weeks after reaching the target BP the assessment of V/A SPC therapy effectiveness and vascular stiffness (general clinical data, ambulatory BP monitoring, volume sphygmography, echocardiography) were performed in all included HT patients. Sex- and age-matched healthy people with normal BP (n=86, age 48.8±5.8years) and in whom similar clinical and vascular stiffness data were available represented a control group. Results. According to the ambulatory BP monitoring data systolic, diastolic and pulse BP significantly (p<0.001) decreased after the treatment with V/A SPC. Volume sphygmography has showed significant decrease in right-CAVI value from 8.9±1.3 to 7.3±1.4 (p=0.021) as well as a reduction the number of patients with a right- and/or left-CAVI>9.0 from 31.6 to 10.5% (p=0,049). According to an assessment of arterial stiffness the augmentation index decreased significantly by 23.6±8.6% from -23.0±17.1 to -28.9±18.7 (p=0.034. Transthoracic echocardiography data has demonstrated decrease in effective arterial elastance from 1.73±0.35 to 1.60±0.32 mm Hg (p=0.016) and increase in the arterial compliance – from 1.30±0.38 to 1.43±0.34 mm Hg/ml (p=0.049). Conclusions. In naive patients 40-65 years old with stage II grade 1-2 HT antihypertensive therapy with V/A SPC provides effective 24 hours BP control and improves arterial stiffness parameters.

Abstract P318: Cardiac and Vascular Changes in Patients With Morbid Obesity at 12 Months After Bariatric Surgery

Aim: To analyze changes in echocardiographic parameters and vascular stiffness in patients with morbid obesity, with either normal or high blood pressure, at 12 months after BS. Methods: We prospectively studied 62 patients (61% normotensive) with morbid obesity (BMI 42.7 ± 5.6 Kg/m 2 ) before and 12 months post-BS. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was determined, as well as different morphological and functional echocardiographic parameters. Results: generalized estimation equations showed a decrease in PWV at 6 months [mean (95% CI): -0.13 (-0.25 to -0.02), p=0.021], losing statistical significance at 12 months. Regarding cardiac involvement, the Table shows the changes in the different parameters at 12 months post-BS. Significant decreases were observed in the left ventricular mass (LVM), thickness of the interventricular septum (IST) and posterior wall (PWT), and relative wall thickness (RWT), as well as in the index E/e 'of ventricular filling, but not in the left ventricular mass index (LVMI). These changes were especially significant in normotensive patients (p=0.005 for RWT and IST, p=0.001 for the PWT and p = 0.004 for the LVM). In the adjusted analyzes, it was found that the changes observed in the LVM were determined by changes in weight (p <0.001) and changes in 24h-systolic BP(p=0.011). Conclusion: patients with morbid obesity experience 12 months after BS a significant reduction of the structural parameters of the left ventricle, especially when they are assessed with the RWT but not by LVMI. These changes are also significant in normotensive people, suggesting that factors other than obesity per se determine structural cardiac changes in them.

P6437Heart rate reduction with ivabradine restores endothelial function and reduces vascular stiffness in patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease

P6437Heart rate reduction with ivabradine restores endothelial function and reduces vascular stiffness in patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease