Aortic Stiffness and Heart Function
Author Information
Author(s): Redheuil Alban, Mousseaux Elie, Yu Wen-Chung, Kachenoura Nadjia, Perdrix Ludivine, Chamera Elzbieta, Bluemke David, Lima Joao
Primary Institution: European Hospital Georges Pompidou and INSERM U678, Paris, France
Hypothesis
There is a direct relationship between proximal aortic function and left ventricular diastolic function in individuals with normal LVEF and no overt cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
Proximal aortic function is strongly associated with subclinical impairment in diastolic left ventricular function in subjects with preserved LVEF.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased aortic arch stiffness was associated with decreased E/A ratio.
- Impaired ascending aortic distensibility was independently associated with decreased E/A ratio and e' velocities.
- Increased aortic arch PWV was independently associated with increased E/e' ratio.
- These relationships were independent of age, gender, BMI, and mean central blood pressure.
Takeaway
This study found that how stiff the aorta is can affect how well the heart fills with blood, even in healthy people.
Methodology
The study involved 144 subjects from two academic centers, measuring aortic stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function using CMR and echo-Doppler techniques.
Participant Demographics
70 men and 74 women, average age 44 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.01, p=0.006, p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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