Maternal arterial stiffness in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (2) ◽  
pp. H759-H764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Kaihura ◽  
Makrina D. Savvidou ◽  
James M. Anderson ◽  
Carmel M. McEniery ◽  
Kypros H. Nicolaides

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by an aberrant maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy and increased cardiovascular risk later on in life. The aim of this study was to compare the maternal wave reflections and arterial stiffness in women with established PE and those with normotensive pregnancies, after systematic adjustment for known confounders. This was a cross-sectional study involving 69 normotensive, pregnant women and 54 women with established PE. Maternal wave reflection (augmentation index) and pulse wave velocity of the carotid-radial and carotid-femoral parts of the arterial tree were assessed noninvasively using applanation tonometry. The measurements were adjusted for maternal age, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and aortic time to wave reflection and expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) of the control group. In the PE group, compared with controls, there was an increase in the median pulse wave velocity of both the carotid to femoral [1.1, interquartile rage (IQR) 1.0–1.3 MoM vs. 0.9, IQR 0.9–1.0 MoM; P < 0.0001] and carotid to radial (1.0, IQR 0.9–1.1 MoM vs. 0.9, IQR 0.9–1.0 MoM; P = 0.01) parts of the arterial tree. In contrast, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the median augmentation index (0.9, IQR 0.7–1.1 MoM vs. 1.0, IQR 0.5–1.8 MoM; P = 0.46). In conclusion, we found that established PE is characterized by increased maternal arterial stiffness but not altered maternal wave reflection.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B Horton ◽  
Linda A Jahn ◽  
Lee M Hartline ◽  
Kevin W Aylor ◽  
James T Patrie ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Increasing arterial stiffness is a feature of vascular aging that is accelerated by conditions that enhance cardiovascular risk, including diabetes mellitus. Multiple studies demonstrate divergence of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in persons with diabetes mellitus, though mechanisms responsible for this are unclear.Materials and Methods: We tested the effect of acutely and independently increasing plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or both on hemodynamic function and markers of arterial stiffness (including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, forward and backward wave reflection amplitude, and wave reflection magnitude) in a four-arm, randomized study of healthy young adults.Results: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity increased only during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia (+0.36 m/s; p=0.032), while other markers of arterial stiffness did not change (all p>0.05). Heart rate (+3.62 bpm; p=0.009), mean arterial pressure (+4.14 mmHg; p=0.033), central diastolic blood pressure (+4.16 mmHg; p=0.038), and peripheral diastolic blood pressure (+4.09 mmHg; p=0.044) also significantly increased during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia.Conclusions: We conclude that the acute combination of moderate hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia preferentially stiffens central elastic arteries. This effect may be due to increased sympathetic activity. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03520569; registered 9 May 2018).


2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (10) ◽  
pp. H1408-H1416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mourad Z. Bensalah ◽  
Emilie Bollache ◽  
Nadjia Kachenoura ◽  
Alain Giron ◽  
Alain De Cesare ◽  
...  

The aim of this study is to quantify aortic backward flow (BF) using phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (PC-CMR) and to study its associations with age, indexes of arterial stiffness, and geometry. Although PC-CMR blood flow studies showed a simultaneous presence of BF and forward flow (FF) in the ascending aorta (AA), the relationship between aortic flows and aging as well as arterial stiffness and geometry in healthy volunteers has never been reported. We studied 96 healthy subjects [47 women, 39 ± 15 yr old (19–79 yr)]. Aortic stiffness [arch pulse wave velocity (PWVAO), AA distensibility], geometry (AA diameter and arch length), and parameters related to AA BF and FF (volumes, peaks, and onset times) were estimated from CMR. Applanation tonometry carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWVCF), carotid augmentation index, and time to return of the reflected pressure wave were assessed. Whereas FF parameters remained unchanged, BF onset time shortened significantly ( R2 = 0.18, P < 0.0001) and BF volume and BF-to-FF peaks ratio increased significantly ( R2 = 0.38 and R2 = 0.44, respectively, P < 0.0001) with aging. These two latter BF indexes were also related to stiffness indexes (PWVCF, R2 > 0.30; PWVAO, R2 > 0.24; and distensibility, R2 > 0.20, P < 0.001), augmentation index ( R2 > 0.20, P < 0.001), and aortic geometry (AA diameter, R2 > 0.58; and arch length, R2 > 0.31, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, aortic diameter was the strongest independent correlate of BF beyond age effect. In conclusion, AA BF estimated using PC-CMR increased significantly in terms of magnitude and volume and appeared earlier with aging and was mostly determined by aortic geometry. Thus BF indexes could be relevant markers of subclinical arterial wall alterations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (6) ◽  
pp. H1338-H1346
Author(s):  
Massimo Nardone ◽  
John S. Floras ◽  
Philip J. Millar

Elevated large-artery stiffness is recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The mechanisms responsible for such stiffening are incompletely understood. Several recent cross-sectional and acute experimental studies have examined whether sympathetic outflow, quantified by microneurographic measures of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), can modulate large-artery stiffness in humans. A major methodological challenge of this research has been the capacity to evaluate the independent neural contribution without influencing the dynamic blood pressure dependence of arterial stiffness. The focus of this review is to summarize the evidence examining 1) the relationship between resting MSNA and large-artery stiffness, as determined by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity or pulse wave reflection characteristics (i.e., augmentation index) in men and women; 2) the effects of acute sympathoexcitatory or sympathoinhibitory maneuvers on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index; and 3) the influence of sustained increases or decreases in sympathetic neurotransmitter release or circulating catecholamines on large-artery stiffness. The present results highlight the growing evidence that the sympathetic nervous system is capable of modulating arterial stiffness independent of prevailing hemodynamics and vasomotor tone.


2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Semiha Terlemez Tokgöz ◽  
Dilek Yılmaz ◽  
Yavuz Tokgöz ◽  
Bülent Çelik ◽  
Yasin Bulut

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine and compare cardiovascular risks by assessing arterial stiffness in children with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension.MethodsPaediatric patients followed up with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension diagnoses and with no established end organ damage were involved in the study. Arterial stiffness in children included in the study was evaluated and compared by using the oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph) method.ResultsA total of 62 essential hypertension (34 male, 28 female), 38 white coat hypertension (21 male, 17 female), and 60 healthy controls (33 male, 27 female) were assessed in the present study. Pulse wave velocity of the essential hypertension, white coat hypertension, and control group was, respectively, as follows: 5.3±0.6 (m/s), 5.1±0.4 (m/s), 4.3±0.4 (m/s) (p<0.001); augmentation index outcomes were, respectively, determined as follows: 21.3±6.5, 19.3±6.4, 16.0±0.3 (p<0.001). Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index values of children with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension were found to be higher compared with the control group. This level was identified as correlated with the duration of hypertension in both patient groups (p<0.01).ConclusionArterial stiffness in children with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension was impaired compared with healthy children. This finding has made us think that white coat hypertension is not an innocent clinical situation. This information should be taken into consideration in the follow-up and treatment approaches of the patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B Horton ◽  
Linda A Jahn ◽  
Lee M Hartline ◽  
Kevin W Aylor ◽  
James T Patrie ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Increasing arterial stiffness is a feature of vascular aging that is accelerated by conditions that enhance cardiovascular risk, including diabetes mellitus. Multiple studies demonstrate divergence of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in persons with diabetes mellitus, though mechanisms responsible for this are unclear.Materials and Methods: We tested the effect of acutely and independently increasing plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or both on hemodynamic function and markers of arterial stiffness (including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, forward and backward wave reflection amplitude, and wave reflection magnitude) in a four-arm, randomized study of healthy young adults.Results: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity increased only during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia (+0.36 m/s; p=0.032), while other markers of arterial stiffness did not change (all p>0.05). Heart rate (+3.62 bpm; p=0.009), mean arterial pressure (+4.14 mmHg; p=0.033), central diastolic blood pressure (+4.16 mmHg; p=0.038), and peripheral diastolic blood pressure (+4.09 mmHg; p=0.044) also significantly increased during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia.Conclusions: Hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia acutely increased cfPWV, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in healthy humans, perhaps reflecting enhanced sympathetic tone. Whether repeated bouts of hyperglycemia with hyperinsulinemia contribute to chronically-enhanced arterial stiffness remains unknown. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03520569; registered 9 May 2018).Clinical Trial Information: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03520569 (registered 9 May 2018).


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 147916412110110
Author(s):  
William B Horton ◽  
Linda A Jahn ◽  
Lee M Hartline ◽  
Kevin W Aylor ◽  
James T Patrie ◽  
...  

Introduction: Increasing arterial stiffness is a feature of vascular aging that is accelerated by conditions that enhance cardiovascular risk, including diabetes mellitus. Multiple studies demonstrate divergence of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in persons with diabetes mellitus, though mechanisms responsible for this are unclear. Materials and methods: We tested the effect of acutely and independently increasing plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or both on hemodynamic function and markers of arterial stiffness (including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, forward and backward wave reflection amplitude, and wave reflection magnitude) in a four-arm, randomized study of healthy young adults. Results: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity increased only during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia (+0.36 m/s; p = 0.032), while other markers of arterial stiffness did not change (all p > 0.05). Heart rate (+3.62 bpm; p = 0.009), mean arterial pressure (+4.14 mmHg; p = 0.033), central diastolic blood pressure (+4.16 mmHg; p = 0.038), and peripheral diastolic blood pressure (+4.09 mmHg; p = 0.044) also significantly increased during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia. Conclusions: Hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia acutely increased cfPWV, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in healthy humans, perhaps reflecting enhanced sympathetic tone. Whether repeated bouts of hyperglycemia with hyperinsulinemia contribute to chronically-enhanced arterial stiffness remains unknown.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B Horton ◽  
Linda A Jahn ◽  
Lee M Hartline ◽  
Kevin W Aylor ◽  
Eugene J Barrett

Abstract Introduction: Increasing arterial stiffness is a feature of vascular aging that is accelerated by conditions that enhance cardiovascular risk, including diabetes mellitus. Multiple studies demonstrate divergence of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in persons with diabetes mellitus, though mechanisms responsible for this are unclear.Materials and Methods: We tested the effect of acutely and independently increasing plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or both on hemodynamic function and markers of arterial stiffness (including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, forward and backward wave reflection amplitude, and wave reflection magnitude) in a four-arm, randomized study of healthy young adults.Results: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity increased only during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia (+0.36 m/s; p=0.032), while other markers of arterial stiffness did not change (all p>0.05). Heart rate (+3.62 bpm; p=0.009), mean arterial pressure (+4.14 mmHg; p=0.033), central diastolic blood pressure (+4.16 mmHg; p=0.038), and peripheral diastolic blood pressure (+4.09 mmHg; p=0.044) also significantly increased during hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemia.Conclusions: We conclude that the acute combination of moderate hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia preferentially stiffens central elastic arteries. This effect may be due to increased sympathetic activity. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03520569; registered 9 May 2018).


2019 ◽  
Vol 127 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten H. G. Heusinkveld ◽  
Tammo Delhaas ◽  
Joost Lumens ◽  
Wouter Huberts ◽  
Bart Spronck ◽  
...  

The augmentation index (AIx) is deemed to capture the deleterious effect on left ventricular (LV) work of increased wave reflection associated with stiffer arteries. However, its validity as a proxy for wave reflection magnitude has been questioned. We hypothesized that, in addition to increased wave reflection due to increased pulse wave velocity, LV myocardial shortening velocity influences AIx. Using a computational model of the circulation, we investigated the isolated and combined influences of myocardial shortening velocity vs,LV and arterial stiffness on AIx. Aortic blood pressure waveforms were characterized using AIx and the reflected wave pressure amplitude ([Formula: see text], obtained using wave separation analysis). Our reference simulation (normal vs,LV and arterial stiffness) was characterized by an AIx of 21%. A realistic reduction in vs,LV caused AIx to increase from 21 to 42%. An arterial stiffness increase, characterized by a relevant 1.0 m/s increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, caused AIx to increase from 21 to 41%. Combining the reduced vs,LV and increased arterial stiffness resulted in an AIx of 54%. In a multistep parametric analysis, both vs,LV and arterial stiffness were about equal determinants of AIx, whereas [Formula: see text] was only determined by arterial stiffness. Furthermore, the relation between increased AIx and LV stroke work was only ≈50% explained by an increase in arterial stiffness, the other factor being vs,LV. The [Formula: see text], on the other hand, related less ambiguously to LV stroke work. We conclude that the AIx reflects both cardiac and vascular properties and should not be considered an exclusively vascular parameter. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used a state-of-the-art computational model to mechanistically investigate the validity of the augmentation index (AIx) as a proxy for (changes in) wave reflection. In contrary to current belief, we found that LV contraction velocity influences AIx as much as increased arterial stiffness, and increased AIx does not necessarily relate to an increase in LV stroke work. Wave reflection magnitude derived from considering pressure, as well as flow, does qualify as a determinant of LV stroke work.


Angiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 000331972110211
Author(s):  
Buyun Jia ◽  
Chongfei Jiang ◽  
Yun Song ◽  
Chenfangyuan Duan ◽  
Lishun Liu ◽  
...  

Increased arterial stiffness is highly prevalent in patients with hypertension and is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. Increased white blood cell (WBC) counts may also be an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness and CV events. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between differential WBC counts and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in hypertensive adults. A total of 14 390 participants were included in the final analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was applied for the correlation analysis of WBC count and baPWV. Higher WBC counts were associated with a greater baPWV: adjusted β = 10 (95% CI, 8-13, P < .001). The same significant association was also found when WBC count was assessed as categories or quartiles. In addition, the effect of differential WBC subtypes, including neutrophil count and lymphocyte count on baPWV, showed the similar results. These findings showed that baPWV has positive associations with differential WBC counts in hypertensive adults.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Mustafa Dogdus ◽  
Onur Akhan ◽  
Mehmet Ozyasar ◽  
Ahmet Yilmaz ◽  
Mehmet Sait Altintas

Background and Objectives. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common pathology of the circulatory system and is associated with a high morbidity for the patients and causes high costs for the healthcare systems. Arterial stiffness has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. The relationship between CVI and arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) was evaluated in this study. Methods. Sixty-two patients with the stage of C3-C5 chronic venous disease (CVD) and 48 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. To assess arterial stiffness, all cases were evaluated with I.E.M. Mobil-O-Graph brand ambulatory blood pressure monitor device. PWV and Aix were used to assess arterial stiffness in this study. Results. The mean age was 61.9±11.05 years and 54 % of the patient population was females. PWV and Aix were significantly higher in CVI patients than controls (8.92±1.65 vs. 8.03±1.43, p=0.001; 25.51±8.14 vs. 20.15±9.49, p=0.003, respectively) and also positive linear correlation was observed between CVI and all measured arterial stiffness parameters (r=0.675 for CVI and PWV, r=0.659 for CVI and Aix, respectively). A PWV value of > 9.2 has 88.9 % sensitivity and 71.4 % specificity to predict the presence of CVI. Conclusions. PWV and Aix are the most commonly used, easy, reproducible, reliable methods in the clinic to assess arterial stiffness. Logistic regression analysis showed that PWV and Aix were the independent predictors of CVI. PWV has the sensitivity of 88.9 % and specificity of 71.4 % to detect the presence of CVI.


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