J Cardiovasc Ultrasound.  2012 Sep;20(3):134-139. 10.4250/jcu.2012.20.3.134.

The Correlation of Carotid Artery Stiffness with Heart Function in Hypertensive Patients

• Myung Y
• Seo HS
• Jung IH
• Lee NH
• Suh J
• Choi JH
• Cho YH

• KMID: 1808348
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4250/jcu.2012.20.3.134

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The strength of each heart beat and the stiffness of large arteries contribute to blood pressure (BP). When the large arteries are stiff and their resistance greater, the afterload increases and this may change the function of the heart. However, the relation between common carotid artery stiffness and heart function in hypertensive patients has not been clarified.
METHODS
Two hundred and twenty hypertensive patients underwent transthoracic and carotid echocardiography. Measurements of local arterial stiffness were taken at the right common carotid artery level and stiffness parameter (beta), pressure-strain elasticity modulus and intima-media thickness were calculated. Brachial cuff BP was measured just before starting the carotid study. The patients with any cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or carotid stenosis were excluded.
RESULTS
Carotid artery stiffness parameter (beta) was correlated with age and left ventricular mass index (p < 0.005). Even though beta was not correlated with LV systolic function, it was inversely correlated with diastolic function as measured by early mitral annular velocity. When the artery was stiffer, early mitral annular velocity (e') decreased (p < 0.001) and the index of left atrial (LA) pressure (early diastolic mitral inflow E velocity/e') increased (p = 0.001). In logistic regression, diastolic dysfunction was affected by age (beta -0.385, p = 0.001), LA volume index (beta 0.175, p = 0.013) and beta (beta -0.273, p = 0.019).
CONCLUSION
In hypertensive patients, changes in carotid artery stiffness can affect the diastolic function, independent of age and LA volume index. Therefore, measurements and control of carotid stiffness can play an important role in the prevention of diastolic heart failure.

Keyword

Carotid stiffness; Diastolic function; Female

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular Diseases
Carotid Arteries
Carotid Artery, Common
Carotid Stenosis
Diabetes Mellitus
Echocardiography
Elastic Modulus
Female
Heart
Heart Failure, Diastolic
Humans
Ischemic Attack, Transient
Logistic Models
Stroke
Vascular Stiffness

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