The relationship between aortic distensibility and serologic markers of atherosclerosis
Year: 2009
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background/Aims: The elasticity of the aorta modulates the entire cardiovascular system. Increasing arterial stiffness with the loss of aortic elasticity is not only a surrogate marker for early atherosclerosis, but also a predictor of cardiovascular events. Methods: This study included 203 patients (57.6±14.7 years, 117 male) who underwent diagnostic transesophageal echocardiography. We investigated the correlation between the arterial stiffness index (β stiffness index), which is calculated from the distensibility of the descending thoracic aorta and blood pressure, and known serologic markers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Results: The β stiffness index correlated significantly with the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (R 2 =0.243, p<0.001) and intima-media thickness of the descending thoracic aorta (R 2 = 0.470, p<0.001). It also correlated with age (r=0.465, p<0.001) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (r=0.250, p<0.001). The β stiffness index was significantly positively correlated with the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT- proBNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glucose, HbA1c, apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, and erythrocyte sediment rate. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the s stiffness index was associated with the levels of NT-proBNP, hsCRP, HbA1c, and Apo A-I. Conclusions: The β stiffness index for the distensibility of the descending thoracic aorta significantly correlates with other parameters of arterial stiffness and serologic markers for atherosclerosis. Therefore, the β stiffness index can be used as a parameter of cardiovascular events in diseases requiring transesophageal echocardiography, such as atrial fibrillation and mitral stenosis. (Korean J Med 77:68-75, 2009)
Institution: Chonnam National University
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $500
OpenAlex ID: W2189447851