Journal List > Korean Circ J > v.35(7) > 1016004

TOOLS
Rhee, Park, Kim, Rhee, Chae, Ko, and Kim: Increased Aortic Stiffness is Associated with Increased Left Ventricular Mass and Diastolic Dysfunction
Original Article
Korean Circulation Journal

Korean Circulation Journal 2005; 35(7): 525-532.

Published online: 31 July 2005

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2005.35.7.525

Increased Aortic Stiffness is Associated with Increased Left Ventricular Mass and Diastolic Dysfunction

Byung Hyun Rhee, Jae Hyeong Park, Hyun Sook Kim, Kyoung Suk Rhee, Jei Keon Chae, Jae Ki Ko, Won Ho Kim

Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.

Research Institute of Clinical Meadicine, College of Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.

whkim@chonbuk.ac.kr

Copyright © 2005 The Korean Society of Circulation

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stiffening of the aorta is a potential risk factor for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Increased aortic stiffness can be associated with an increased left ventricular (LV) mass and diastolic dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship of the aortic stiffness to the LV hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 188 consecutive patients, without overt cardiovascular disease or symptoms, were included. The LV mass and diastolic filling patterns were assessed. The aortic strain and distensibility were indirectly obtained from the aortic diameters, using echocardiography and blood pressure measurements.
RESULTS: Of the 188 patients (92 males, 54±14 years old), hypertension was found in 57 and diabetes in 29, with both found in 32 patients. The aortic strain (3.77±2.42 vs. 5.13±4.27, p<0.001) and distensibility (0.11±0.09 vs. 0.22±0.21, p<0.001) were significantly lower, but the LV mass index (112.5±39.2 vs. 87.8±19.0 gm/m2, p<0.001) higher, in the hypertensive compared to normotensive patients. Also, the aortic strain (3.07±2.42 vs. 5.18±4.01, p<0.001) and distensibility (0.10±0.12 vs. 0.21±0.20, p<0.001) were lower in patients with LVH. The E/E' ratio was higher in the hypertensive patients (10.9±5.0 vs. 8.1±3.1, p<0.001) and in those with LVH (10.8±5.6 vs. 8.4±3.2, p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the parameters closely related with aortic strain were age (standardized coefficient beta=-0.240, p=0.001), LV mass index (beta=-0.158, p=0.025) and IVRT (beta=-0.155, p=0.035). The parameters significantly related with aortic distensibility were age (beta=-0.344, p<0.001) and LV mass index (beta=-0.224, p=0.001).
CONCLUSION: Increased aortic stiffness is associated with an increased LV mass and diastolic abnormality.

Keywords: Hypertension, Left ventricular hypertrophy, Aortic stiffness, Diastolic dysfunction

TOOLS
Similar articles