Artery Research

“Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase” (SSAO) metabolizes primary amines into aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia and is largely expressed in adipocytes, lymphatic endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In vitro SSAO expression and activity increase during VSMC differentiation...

Gender difference of cardiovascular disease is one of the most investigated and still unsolved items. Finding an answer to this, may have important implications for understanding the differences between men and women in atherosclerosis and possibly lead to the development of gender-specific treatment...

Introduction: Aortic stiffness is related to renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease and may contribute to the high cardiovascular mortality in this group. However, the relationship between renal function and arterial haemodynamics in the general population has not previously been reported. Methods:...

Background: Arterial calcification is commonly observed in cardiovascular disease and is associated with increased arterial stiffness, systolic hypertension and adverse cardiovascular outcome. Arterial calcification is an actively regulated process with several stimulating and inhibiting factors. An...

Introduction: Risk of a cardiovascular event is known to increase in the period immediately post-transplantation before returning to baseline or lower. We hypothesised that this might be due to changes in arterial stiffness and/or endothelial function. Methods: We measured aortic pulse wave velocity...

Background: Migraine is associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke and other cardiovascular (CV) events, including angina, myocardial infarction, and CV death. However, the mechanisms which link migraine to CV disease remain uncertain. In the present case-control study, we hypothesized that...

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objective: To explore whether early markers of RA inflammatory disease activity could predict later cardiovascular disease and arterial stiffness, and to describe the impact of later use of disease-modifying...

Introduction: Intra-aortic balloon pumping is widely used to augment diastolic coronary perfusion. However, far less is known about its effects on other large arteries. In this study we assessed the effects of intra-arterial balloon pump pressure support on pressure and flow in the proximal aorta, carotid,...

Background: Pulse wave velocity (PWV), measure of aortic stiffness, is predictive of cardiovascular events. PWV is strongly related to age and blood pressure but its relation to other risk factors and presence of calcification is unclear. We sought to determine the association between PWV and cardiovascular...

Background: It has been demonstrated that aortic stiffness, as determined by the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Whether this measure is of use in cardiovascular risk stratification in clinical practice needs to be determined. We investigated...

Background: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare severe genetic disease which results from mutations in the gene encoding type III procollagen (COL3A1), characterized by vascular and/or hollow organic ruptures. No treatment is yet validated. We tested the ability of celiprolol, a beta1-adrenoceptor...

Purpose: Fabry disease is a deficiency of lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A leading to accumulation of glycosphyngolipids in cardiac and vascular tissues. After long-term enzyme replacement treatment, we described a continuous vascular hypertrophy whereas the aortic stiffness was paradoxically decreasing....

Background: Chronic inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. TNF-α antagonists are previously reported to improve vascular function in these patients and thus...

Background: Arterial stiffening is an independent predictor for cardiovascular mortality. Preliminary studies have shown that arterial calcification may have impact on increased vascular stiffness. However, little is known about the role of calcification inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) as an independent...

Background: We previously described longitudinal strain gradient named bending strain (BS), along the common carotid artery (CCA) with two distinct patterns (Paini, Stroke 2007, Beaussier, Hypertension 2008): Pattern A (larger radial strain at the plaque level than at adjacent CCA) and its opposite,...

Background: Increased arterial stiffness is associated with a reduced buffering capacity of the large arteries, therefore predisposing the microcirculation to increased flow and pressure pulsatility. However, increased wave reflection may be protective, by reducing the amount of pulsatility transmitted...

Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) images have a spatial resolution at 1 GHz comparable to conventional optical microscopy. Each pixel in the image can be analysed to determine mechanical properties, allowing their precise correlation with microstructural components of tissue. Although loss of elasticity...

Background: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) is a recent technique that allows PWV to be measured along the entire aorta (aPWVMRI), as well as in regions of interest. The aim of this study was to test...

Background: It is widely believed that changes in the magnitude and timing of reflected waves reaching the heart result in deleterious cardiovascular effects. Inherent in this is the assumption that waves propagate well in the backward direction. There is limited information regarding retrograde travel...

Background: We hypothesized that the discrepancy between local and global stiffness is explained by 1) differences in systolic and diastolic stiffness and 2) the co-existence of elastic and muscular arteries in the carotid-femoral trajectory. Methods: For 1515 subjects (age 35–55, Asklepios cohort)...

Purpose: To investigate, longitudinally, whether increases in markers of inflammation (CRP, sICAM-1) and endothelial dysfunction (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) are associated with and precede the increase in pulse pressure (PP) in individuals with type-1 diabetes (DM1). Methods: Inception cohort of 277 DM1 patients...

Purpose: to investigate 1) the extent to which young adults who started smoking during adolescence and persisted doing so during young adulthood (‘persistent smokers’–PS), and those who started smoking in young adulthood only (‘starters’–SS) had greater aorto-iliac PWV than never smokers (NS); and 2)...

Objectives: Increased cardiovascular risk in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, not explained by exposure to traditional factors alone, have prompted investigation into the role of chronic inflammation. This study aimed to determine early cardiovascular risk profiles...

Background: Although blood pressure (BP) ‘tracks’ from early life in humans, little is known of how arterial stiffness develops over time in early childhood. Methods: UK born European (n=208) and South Asian (SA, n=99) origin infants had standardised measures of anthropometry, BP (Dynamap Critikon)...

Background: Antenatal and postnatal growth are associated with increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk (e.g. myocardial infarction and stroke) in adults born at term. Aim: We investigated cuff blood pressure (BP) and arterial waveforms in 70 extremely preterm (EP) children and in 91 age...

Objective: Waist circumference is clinical marker of obesity and a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone and new biomarker of obesity, has recently been proposed to be the missing link between obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. We evaluated...

Rationale: Bronchiectasis is characterised by inflammation and airways injury, which lead to loss of airways function, factors which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in various populations. Central arterial stiffness (AS) a predictor of CVD risk has not been studied...

Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of the stiffness of the large arteries, and is often used as indicator of clinical cardiovascular risk. Yet, methodological issues still exist on how PWV should best be measured. We have used a 1D arterial network computer model of the systemic circulation...

Introduction: There is currently no clinical imaging techniques available to assess the degree of inflammation associated with atherosclerotic plaques. This study aims at visualising and characterising atherosclerosis using targeted USPIO as an MRI probe for detecting inflamed endothelial cells. Method:...

Background: Hereditary amyloidosis are late-onset autosomal dominant disorders characterized by amyloid deposition in various tissues. Among them, Apolipoprotein A-I amyloidosis (Leu75Pro) is a rare autosomal dominant condition in which renal, hepatic, and testicular involvement has been demonstrated.No...

Rationale: Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a familial cause of emphysema, due to reduced antiproteolytic activity within lungs. Systemic manifestations however, remain little explored. We have previously demonstrated increased arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with COPD and hypothesised that...

Background: The exact mechanism by which electrical carotid baroreceptor activation (CBA) lowers blood pressure in patients with hypertension has yet to be fully elucidated. Given the central role of the kidneys in blood pressure regulation, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of CBA on renal...

Objective: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is accepted as the standard technique to assess aortic stiffness. While the carotid-femoral transit time can be assessed with high accuracy, the measurement of the aortic length is, however, less accurate. Several approaches for measuring aortic length over the body-surface...

Background: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is an independent determinant of cardiovascular events. Computed tomography (CT) is currently the gold standard for measuring aortic calcification but is limited by relatively high radiation exposure. Lateral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (lateral-DXA)...

Aims: To compare central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (AIx) from 2 recently introduced devices Omron-HEM9000 (OM) and Arteriograph (AG) not using a transfer function with that of the widely used SphygmoCor (SC), which together with another radial device OM is calibrated on brachial...

Introduction: Parameters of wave reflection (augmentation pressure - AP or augmentation index – AIx) are powerful independent prognostic markers in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the invasive investigation of arterial waveforms is still confined to expensive equipment. The aim of this...

Arterial stiffness, measured as aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), and wave reflection, measured as augmentation index (AIx) are independent predictors, for total and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare a new device, based on oscillometric pressure curves (Arteriograph)...

Central blood pressure may be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than peripheral blood pressure. The central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) can be estimated from the late systolic shoulder of the radial pulse waveform (pSBP2). We compared pSBP2 with cSBP derived by a generalized transfer function...

Background: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measured by B-mode ultrasound is a sensitive and non-invasive method for detection of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is often used as primary outcome measure in clinical trials as a surrogate marker of CVD. The purpose of the present study...

Introduction: There are several approaches to assess endothelial function using forearm ischemia - hyperaemia (FMD). The principal difference is whether flow is stopped in the root of the arm (proximal or P) or the wrist (distal or D). P induces “non pulsatile ischemia”, and D, “pulsatile ischemia”,...

Aim: The assessment of aortic stiffness in young and middle aged men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and methods: This study was carried out in 49 CAD patients aged 43,5±4,8 years with coronary artery stenosis diagnosed by angiography and 29 healthy volunteers (the control group) aged...

Background: According to the 2007 European Society of Hypertension guidelines, measurement of arterial stiffness (AS) is recommended in patients with arterial hypertension (HT). The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) appears to be the “gold standard” for evaluation on vascular changes in these...

Arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BS) is dependent on distension rate of baroreceptors, itself dependent on arterial stiffness. Differences in BS between younger and older subjects, and normotensive and hypertensive patients may be explained by differences in arterial stiffness. The objective was to demonstrate...

Background: Men with CAD have been shown to have abnormal arterial stiffness. Arterial function may change over time, according to treatment; the prognostic value of these changes has not been investigated. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess whether an improvement of lager artery...

Atherosclerosis is a pathological process affecting arterial elasticity. The rabbit is one of the most widely used animal models for atherosclerosis research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a method for the automatic assessment of local vascular stiffness in rabbits. An off-line...

Figure 1AA and CCA pulse waveform measured during 6 heartbeats in 1 volunteer. Cardiac and arterial function is reflected in the distension (change in diameter) waveforms of central arteries. For analyses, commonly the distension waveform of the common carotid artery (CCA) is used, as the CCA is superficial...

Objectives: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is usually estimated by sequential (ECG referenced) carotid-femoral tonometry using the SphygmoCor system (Atcor, Australia). This can be technically challenging and operator dependant. Here we evaluate a simple, operator independent method of estimating central...

Background: Abdominal obesity is a clinical setting recognized as a difficult situation to assess transcutaneous pulse wave velocity (PWV). PWV measurement between carotid and femoral sites is considered as the gold standard measurement of aortic stiffness. Arterial stiffness is an important parameter...

Background: Aortic elasticity properties (aortic distensibility, compliance, elastic modulus, and stiffness index) can be evaluated by cross-sectional thoracic aorta areas measurements at 2 times of the cardiac cycle (peak systolic and end-diastolic phases) with PC-cine MRI series. Pulse wave velocity...

Background: The Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) is a physiological manoeuvre capable of generating profound changes in venous return. Although its physiology has been extensively described, the predominant focus has been on dynamic effects on cardiac preload with subsequent impact on cardiac output. However,...

Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is the most widely used technique for assessing endothelial function in humans. FMD is reduced in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases and it is an independent predictor of events. However, its major limitation is the relatively low reproducibility....

Systolic pressure, Ps, and pulse pressure, PP, are determined by heart and arterial system. We here compare systemic arterial system characterizations alone, and mention their use and limitations (aspects). 1.Peripheral resistance, Rp. Required: Mean Pressure and Cardiac Output; Characterization:...

Background: Transient ischemic attacks and stroke are commonly caused by vulnerable plaques in the carotid bulb. Noninvasive ultrasound imaging techniques, revealing spatial inhomogeneities in strain distribution, could possibly improve the timely diagnosis of plaque at risk of rupturing. Methods: In...

Background: There is increasing evidence that central (aortic) blood pressure (BP) may be a more important determinant of cardiovascular risk than brachial BP. Most of actual devices to assess central BP non-invasively are partially operator-dependent, or rely on the detection of the late systolic shoulder...

Endothelium derived nitric oxide (NO) increases conduit artery distensibility, through relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Barosensory wall distensibility influences the mechanical component of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) by modifying the baroreceptor stimulus. NO bioavailability may also affect the...

Brachial artery reactivity following compression is used as a surrogate marker of endothelial function. Brachial diameter increases exceeding 10% indicate normal endothelial function. We investigated if basal brachial artery tone influenced brachial artery reactivity. One hundred never smoking, healthy,...

Introduction: The non-invasive analysis of plaque echolucency (ECL) with Adobe Photoshop® has proven to reduce the subjectivity of ultrasonic evaluation of atherosclerosis. However, ECL provides information concerning only one of the aspects that contribute to vulnerability (plaque echodensity). Hemodyn...

Background: Despite the introduction of arterial stiffness measurements in the recommendation of the European Societies for Hypertension and Cardiology, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) are still not used routinely in clinical practice. Possibly, current techniques, although non-invasive,...

Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. However, PWV is usually determined between the carotid and femoral sites, ignoring the proximal ascending aorta which may stiffen most with age. We tested this hypothesis by assessing regional PWV and aortic diameter...

The continuous monitoring of arterial stiffness during pharmacological and dynamic stress is an intriguing and partially unexplored topic. In this work we present a new method for the continuous assessment of the aortic-to-carotid pulse transit time (PTT), which is inversely proportional to the pulse...

Objective: To examine the influence of calibration of peripheral blood pressure on the estimation of central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) from peripheral arterial waveforms using a transfer function. Methods: Central aortic pressure was measured with a pressure tipped catheter (Millar, Houston, Texas)...

Although the viscoelasticity of large arteries has been extensively investigated, few studies have focused on arterial wall viscosity (AWV) itself and its regulation by the endothelium in vivo. This is of particular importance since AWV is a major source of energy dissipation through the vascular system...

Objectives: Anatomical and physiological data on the forearm venous vascular bed is needed to (i) gain insight into the complex arterial and venous remodeling processes after creation of an arterio-venous fistula, and (ii) provide input data for computer models of the forearm vasculature. Methods: Ultrasound...

Role and function of the Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) and atherosclerotic Plaque (P) in clinical management of cardiovascular risk factors is yet unclear. Cardiovascular Risk Factor Stratification (SCORE) and CIMT with P typing and visualization were assessed in 269 asymptomatic individuals...

Background: prolonged circulatory unloading associated with head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) is followed by cardiovascular deconditioning. Aim of the study was to investigate to what extent large artery function and arterial-ventricular coupling (VA) are involved. Methods: ten healthy male volunteers...

Objective. Pressure wave reflection poses a load on the heart often augmenting pressure and adversely affecting cardiac output. Reflection effects are age dependent and may be altered by sympathetic activation by postural stress. We sought to determine the influence of standing on wave reflection and...

Objective: Atosiban and ritodrine are frequently used tocolytics. Only a few studies investigated the hemodynamic effects of atosiban. We therefore aimed to study the central and peripheral hemodynamics of both medications. Methods: Twenty healthy female volunteers (19–41 yrs) were given atosiban (300...

Objective: Atosiban (oxytocin-antagonist) and ritodrine (β-agonist) are frequently used tocolytics. Only a few studies investigated the hemodynamic effects of atosiban. We therefore aimed to study the effects on the blood pressure (BP) and BP-amplification. Methods: Twenty healthy female volunteers...

Introduction: Anti-hypertensive agents differ in their ability to slow progression of the increase in carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) with disease and have different effects on the lumen diameter (LD) of the carotid artery. We hypothesised that changes in flow and shear stress in the common...

Purpose: A decrease in aortic stiffness could theoretically occur after several years of treatment but reduction has never been unequivocally demonstrated in clinical practice. Association with changes in blood pressure remained unclear. Methods: This longitudinal observational study was conducted in...

Aim of Study: Due to absorption of carbon dioxide and elevated intraabdominal pressure, pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has potentially harmful intraoperative cardiovascular effects. Our aim was to test the usefulness of a non-invasive method for detecting these hemodynamic parameters. Methods:...

Background The hemodynamic effects of the vasodilator β-blocker nebivolol may differ from those of a conventional agent. Wave intensity analysis can describe the energy transported by wavefronts in the arterial system in the direction of wave propagation. A non-invasive ultrasound-based technique [1]...

AIM of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of long-acting nitrates, isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN), in addition to ACE inhibitor on artery stiffness in patients with essential hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 40 hypertensive patients (mean age 61.3±7.4 years, 9 male, 31 female, mean...

Objectives: evolution of hypertensive patients during their stay in the CCU after myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS). Methods: retrospective study with 90 patients. Results: prevalence of AHT before surgery was 86.7%; 61.3% were treated with BB, 39% received ACEI, 11% calcium antagonists and...

Introduction: While vardenafil is widely prescribed for erectile dysfunction, its effect on arterial function is not established. Arterial stiffness and wave reflections are markers of cardiovascular disease and predictors of cardiovascular risk. We assessed the acute effect of vardenafil on arterial...

Background: Vascular load is an important determinant of ventricular function. Understanding the physiologic basis of vascular load is central to the development of new strategies and drugs to treat HF. Aim: to evaluate arterial stiffness, endothelial function, clinical status at baseline and in 6 months...

Background: Vascular B1 kinin receptor expression is upregulated in human atheroma and the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi), but its role in man remains unclear. We examined vasomotor and fibrinolytic responses to selective kinin receptor agonism in the human femoral circulation...

Background: The mechanisms of endogenous progenitor cell trafficking in response to tissue injury in humans are poorly understood. Methods: We based our study on a model of transient myocardial injury, provoked by the use of cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery in 39 patients. Bone marrow (BM)...

Arterial stiffness (AS) and central BP (CBP) are new «target-objects» for Antihypertensive Therapy (AT), but the possibility to correction these parameters on nonmedicament treatment is discussed. Aim: To research the possibilities of correction of AS and CBP by AT and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure...

Background: We have previously shown increased arterial stiffness using aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) (exercise, education and nutritional advice) has respiratory and functional benefits, though effects on cardiovascular (CV) risk have not been...

Purpose: Aortic stiffness and wave reflections are determinants of left ventricular performance and independent predictors of cardiovascular risk. Though it is well recognized that regular aerobic exercise can affect arterial stiffness and wave reflections, the acute effect of intense aerobic exercise...

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) on endothelial function, aortic and carotid stiffness, and wave reflection in a population living in the Chernobyl area at the time of 1986 blast, treated with thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. Methods: 23 subjects (age 26±3 years,...

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) and carotid artery intima-media complex thickening (IMT) are regarded as predictors for the progress of atherosclerosis. The anti-oxidant properties of bilirubin and its ability to prevent oxidation of lipids of low density lipoproteins, and thus, development of vascular...

Objective: According to data of epidemiological and clinical studies, migraine with aura (MA) is associated with cardiovascular disorders, and migraine without aura (M0) is linked to carotid artery dissection. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate and compare arterial wall parameters...

Objectives: To compare the effect of Subclavian Flap Repair (SFR) versus end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) on arterial stiffness and systolic blood pressure in young children with aortic coarctation. Methods: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using a pulse volume recording technique (Vicorder, Skidmore...

It is known that reproductive hormones influence both local vascular properties and autonomic nervous reactivity. The aim of our study was to measure the small artery compliance, cutaneous LD flux response to local cooling and heart rate variability in women in the third trimester of normal pregnancy...

Objective: The aim of the study was to asses the relationship between structural (IMT- intima-media thickness) and functional (PWV - pulse wave velocity, SBP - systolic blood pressure, PP - pulse pressure) parameters of the large arterial damage and the mean blood flow velocity (CBFV) in middle cerebral...

Background: As survival in the common autosomal recessive condition Cystic Fibrosis (CF) improves, there is focus on extra-pulmonary complications. Patients with CF have increased augmentation index (AIx) at rest which is greatest in those with diabetes (CFRD). We evaluated haemodynamic response to exercise,...

Although, the cardioprotective effects of aerobic exercise are proven, not much is known about resistance exercise. Arterial wave reflection measured as augmentation index (AIx), and pulse pressure(PP) amplification are independent prognosticators of CV morbidity and mortality. However, how these parameters...

Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder leading to progressive death of neurons in various brain regions. In advanced stages of disease there is a classical triad of movement, behavioural, and cognitive disorders. Besides there are often symptoms suggestive...

Introduction: Aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) may measure vascular structure and function (distensibility) more precisely than blood pressure (BP). Few data exist on arterial distensibility in infancy; none on the effects of malaria in African children. Methods: Healthy women with singleton pregnancies...

There is some evidence that in MetS increase of arterial stiffness may be distributed over muscular and the elastic arteries not uniformly. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the MS and arterial stiffness of both elastic and muscular arteries in middle aged individuals. Methods:...

Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) is the key inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system, modulating cellular responses associated with vascular remodeling. Elevated plasma PAI-1 has been positively correlated to systolic- and diastolic blood pressure, measured in the brachial artery, and is increased...

Background: Population studies have indicated that both the presence of osteoporosis and serum levels of calcium are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To investigate the association between bone loss, calcium intake and levels of the reactive hyperemia index (RHI)...

Background: Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is a common disorder characterised by increased, disorganised bone turnover in affected areas with overgrowth of immature woven bone. An increased cardiovascular risk has been reported in some studies of PDB, possibly related to arterial wall calcifications....

Both endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are considered as independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality, but their interrelationship has been poorly explored. Therefore we evaluated the relationship between endothelial function and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in essential hypertensive...

Background: Masked hypertension (MH) independently predicts mortality but cannot be diagnosed from clinic blood pressure (BP). We sought to determine if MH could be identified from BP or pressure waveform analysis (PWA) at rest or during low intensity exercise. Methodology: Brachial and estimated central...

Purpose: Men with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have an increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED). Large artery stiffness is a marker of vascular wall changes associated with MetS. Aim of the study was to investigate associations between MetS, ED and changes in large artery properties. Methods:...

Background: whether or not the presence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is associated with alterations in systemic arteries is not known. Aim of the study was to evaluate morphology and distensibility of common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with IAs and in a control group of comparable age, gender...

Background: whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) has an independent impact on development of cardiovascular (CV) disease is uncertain. Aim: to evaluate indices of preclinical CV disease in subjects with MetS. Methods: we studied 160 subjects: 50 with MetS (ATP III criteria, age 49±12, BMI 36±7, 12 diabetics)...

Objectives: Women with Turner Syndrome (TS) have increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, thought to be related to a clustering of risk factors including insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to non-invasively determine and compare ventricular and...

Objectives: Vascular dysfunction is common in type 2 diabetes and obesity. The functional role of hyperinsulinaemia on human blood vessels in obese individuals remains unclear. We hypothesised that in young women, change in vessel function in a hyperinsulinaemic milieu would be influenced more by adiposity...

Patients having different risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as those with metabolic syndrome, are known to have increased carotid artery (CA) intima-media complex thickness (IMT) index, comparing to healthy subjects. Recently, the significant correlation between IMT, changes in flow-mediated...

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. The specificity of each component of metabolic syndrome improves its management. Objective: Do patients with MetS have arterial modifications? Which MetS components are they most closely linked to? Materials and methods:...

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) may be an early manifestation of generalized vascular disease. Cigarette smoking is an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and pathophysiological mechanisms may include a stiff vascular tree. The association of smoking with ED and functional changes in smokers...

Introduction: The difference between systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured in clinic and during the daytime phase of ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM) (Δclinic-day ABPM SBP) has been used as a measure of white-coat effect. We hypothesised that this was mediated through increased aortic stiffness resulting...

For given levels of blood pressure (BP), people with ‘stiffer’ (less distensible) large arteries develop more cardiovascular (CVS) events, as is typical of diabetes. South Asians (SA) develop excess mortality from all CVS disease, African-Caribbeans (AfC) lower overall mortality despite more hypertension...

The objective was to study the changes in vascular function of HIV-1 (subtype C) infected black Africans over three years. In a longitudinal study (2005–2008) we compared the vascular function of 140 HIV+ (newly diagnosed) black Africans from the North-West province, South Africa. Seventy seven of the...

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the development of renal cysts related to polycystin mutations in the tubular wall leading to renal failure. Moreover, patients with ADPKD also display early cardiovascular complications including hypertension and aneurysms before...

Background: Exercise influences pulse wave morphology, but the mechanisms are unknown. Methods: We measured radial arterial pulse wave contour (SphygmoCorR) in 1005 adults from a cohort follow-up examination in 2004/5 and compared individuals who, by self report, were sedentary (NPE, of less than one...

Objective: Accumulating evidence suggests that low birth weight is associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular risk and increased systolic blood pressure. However the relationship between birth weight and arterial stiffness is controversial. We examined this relationship in the ENIGMA study,...

Background: The Framingham Heart Study group has proposed an algorithm for calculating the 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart/vascular age. The predictors used are age, diabetes, smoking, systolic blood pressure, total and high density cholesterol. We investigated the association...

Objective: To determine whether the structural status of carotid arteries and abnormal flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in the brachial artery identify young and middle-aged men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A total of 78 men aged 28 to 50 (mean 43±5) years underwent carotid ultrasound...

Background In primary care, much effort goes into risk factor management. Early recognition of vascular dysfunction in patients should inform intervention to reduce vascular risk. Very few studies have looked at the application of augmentation index (AI) measurement in primary care, particularly in...

Purpose: It is well known that regular moderate aerobic exercise has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk, although the impact of long-term intense aerobic training has not been defined. Aortic stiffness and wave reflections are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk. In this study we assessed...

Recent follow-up studies showed no change or even short-term improvement of arterial stiffness after kidney transplantation. Data from general population and end-stage renal disease patients suggest, that PWV increases with age of 0,07–0,08m/s for each year of life. It was shown recently that reduced...

Introduction: Hypertension and renal dysfunction are associated with increased arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness is a marker of cardiovascular disease and predictor of cardiovascular risk. We assessed the relationship between renal function and arterial stiffness in never-treated hypertensives. Methods:...

Background: The clinical importance of central blood pressure (BP) and heart rate corrected augmentation index (AIxHR75) has been gradually increasing in recent years. Objectives: We measured the peripheral and central BP, the AIxHR75 of healthy volunteers with special regard to diurnal variation (8...

Background: Fibrillin-1 is an important constituent of the vascular wall and earlier studies have indicated an effect of the fibrillin-1 2–3 genotype on blood pressure as well as aortic stiffness. The aim was to determine if the Fibrillin-1 2–3 genotype is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity/mortality...

Purpose: Leptin plays a regulatory role in body weight by controlling appetite and energy consumption. Elevated plasma leptin levels (hyperleptinemia) have been suggested to contribute to pathogenesis of diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Arterial stiffness is an independent...

Purpose: Adipocytokines secreted by adipose tissue play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Arterial stiffness represents an important novel risk factor of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the association between elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, adipocytokines,...

Last year we presented that PWVao is a significant marker of early atherosclerosis. Now we were interested about how could the comparison of the central and brachial blood pressure predict the early atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between the central and brachial blood...

Objective: Arterial stiffness is one of the main determinants of the workload of the left ventricle. Amino-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is released by cardiomyocytes in response to left ventricular wall stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether arterial stiffness...

Ankle brachial index (ABI) has increasingly been used in general practice to identify patients with low ABI at high cardiovascular risk. However there is no consensus on the clinical significance of high ABI. The aim of our study was to compare large artery stiffness as a marker of cardiovascular risk...

Increased arterial stiffness abnormal ventricular-vascular coupling have increasingly been recognized as playing an important pathophysiologic role in HF, both systolic and with normal ejection fraction. Aim: to assess and compare arterial stiffness, central blood pressure parameters in systolic heart...

Purpose: The NADPH oxidase system produces superoxide in the vessel wall and its -640A/G polymorphism is associated with coronary artery disease incidence in young individuals. We investigated the role of this polymorphism on peripheral/aortic pressures (PP, AoP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels, in young...

Objective: To investigate predictors of increase in aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) in elderly subjects free from overt cardiovascular disease. Design and Method: The present study included 90 lecture attendees (“university of 3rd age”) who were examined at baseline and after a median follow-up of...

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities strongly associated with atherosclerosis and increased risk of CV events. Atherosclerotic plaques (AP) and its echolucency (ECL) can be detected using ultrasound (US) and evaluated by grey scale median analysis (GSM). ECL...

Introduction: The elevated level of C reactive protein (CRP) is associated with increased arterial stiffness in general population. However, it is uncertain whether CRP is related to arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: We studied 63 RA women...

Background: Insulin resistance is a feature of essential hypertension. The interrelationships of indices of insulin resistance and arterial function in euglycaemic, never-treated hypertensives has not been addressed. To this end, we investigated the correlations of two insulin resistance indices (HOMA:...

Introduction: Arterial tree alteration is the cornerstone of diabetes complications and its mechanical parameters are impaired. Objective: Which are aortic pulse wave velocity determinants in a diabetic population? Methods: We studied 132 diabetic patients. They entered the day hospital to have a cardiovascular...

Elevated aortic pulse wave velocity (aoPWV) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There are, however, no widely accepted normal or reference values for aoPWV. The aim of this work was to define these values. Patients and methods: AoPWV was assessed in several patient...

Background: Serum uric acid (UA) plays a key role in the development and progression of hypertension. We investigated the association of UA levels and indices of arterial function in a cohort of newly diagnosed, never treated hypertensive subjects. Methods: 1225 patients with a new diagnosis of mild...

Background: Prehypertensive subjects have a markedly increased risk of developing hypertension compared to normotensive subjects. Prehypertension is therefore an excellent model to study hemodynamics and arterial stiffness in the development of hypertension. Methods: We assessed hemodynamics and arterial...

Objective: Inflammation and early arterial damage are the possible mechanisms responsible for increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and arterial parameters of macro- and...

It has been reported that augmentation index (AIx) increases with age, but that the increase is more prominent in younger subjects [1], and may even decrease with age in individuals over 50yrs [2]. We undertook a meta-analysis of the published literature of 9,551 individuals (5,659 male), aged 4 to 91...

Introduction: Patients with nocturnal blood pressure (BP) that fails to decline ≥10% compared with daytime BP (non-dippers) have increased mortality risk. This may be related to increased arterial stiffness and raised central BP whilst supine. This study aimed to test this hypothesis. We also sought...

Background: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an inhibitor of nitric oxide production and is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Elevated plasma levels of ADMA have been demonstrated in patients with hypertension. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between ADMA...

Introduction: To the best of our knowledge, any studies evaluated potential influence on peripheral arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), of percoutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting. Methods: 150 patients were enrolled and underwent coronary angiography. In 68 patients...

Background. Experimental cerebral ischemia and organ culture of cerebral arteries result in enhanced expression of endothelin ETB receptors in smooth muscle cells. The present study was designed to evaluate the involvement of calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase (CAMK) on the expression of endothelin...

An age-related increase in systolic blood pressure and similarities in the consequences of hypertension and aging on arterial structure/mechanics have been reported, particularly in larger arteries. As the structural/mechanical properties of smaller resistance vessels in the context of advancing physiological...

To define the vascular role of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in cardiovascular pathophysiology, we generated a conditional transgenic mouse model with MR overexpression in the endothelium. We previously described increase sensitivity to several vasoconstrictors in mesenteric arteries such as in...

Low serum vitamin D is linked with higher vascular risk. It is unclear how. Objective: to test whether 1,25(OH)2D3 (active vitamin D) modifies contractility of proximal resistance vessels, dose-dependently. Methods: Male Wistar rat mesenteric arteries were investigated by wire myography. 60mM High...

In Type 1 and 2 diabetes tissue stiffening is evident from measurements of the gross mechanical properties of the vasculature. In general, pathological glycosylation of extracellular matrix proteins may play an important role in increasing stiffness in diabetic patients. However, the effects of diabetes...

Epidemiologic studies have clearly demonstrated that cardiovascular risk is not only determined by conventional risk factors of importance in adult life, but also by early life events resulting of re-settings of key physiological functions. In our model of rats exposed in utero to maternal diabetes,...

The light energy absorption of whole blood in the visible and infrared range is partly caused by the oxidized and reduced haemoglobin. The measurement principle can be applied for photoplethysmography (PPG). Our PPG measures the blood flux in human vessels with means of red and infrared light absorption....

Vascular calcification (VC) has been sporadically reported in horses, but little is known regarding cause, pathogenesis and clinical significance. We hypothesized that in horses, structural and molecular changes may occur during VC that are comparable to human and mouse models. We surveyed Thoroughbred...