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Comparison of arterial stiffness/compliance in the ascending aorta and common carotid artery in healthy subjects and its impact on left ventricular structure and function

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Abstract

Arterial stiffness and compliance parameters from two adjacent elastic arteries [aorta and common carotid artery (CCA)] were compared and their relationship with left ventricular (LV) structure and function and clinical parameters was assessed. 584 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled [mean age 47.8 ± 18.4 years, range 16–94; 318 (54.4%) men]. They underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography; M-mode diameters were measured at the level of the ascending aorta in systole and diastole and by echo-tracking at the level of the left CCA. The β-stiffness, pressure-strain elastic modulus, arterial compliance and one-point pulse wave velocity were derived. A significant correlation was observed between aortic and CCA stiffness and compliance parameters (p < 0.0001 for all). At multiple regression analysis, CCA stiffness parameters were constantly correlated with age and systolic blood pressure, and accounted for up to 56% of the variability (vs. only 29% in aortic stiffness and compliance). CCA stiffness parameters were found to better predict LV structure, diastolic function than aortic stiffness parameters. Aortic and CCA stiffness and compliance were found to correlate with each other and with age, with the correlation being higher for CCA stiffness. At multiple regression analysis, CCA stiffness parameters were better predictors of LV structure and function than aortic stiffness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiology and Emergency Department, San Antonio Hospital, Via Trento-Trieste, 33038, Udine, San Daniele Del Friuli, Italy

    Olga Vriz & Caterina Driussi

  2. Department of Cardiology, Dupuytren University Hospital, Limoges, France

    Julien Magne & Victor Aboyans

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy

    Gabriele Brosolo

  4. Cardiology Division, “Cava de’ Tirreni and Amalfi Coast” Hospital Heart Department, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy

    Francesco Ferrara & Eduardo Bossone

  5. Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

    Paolo Palatini

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  1. Olga Vriz
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  2. Julien Magne
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  3. Caterina Driussi
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  5. Francesco Ferrara
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Correspondence to Olga Vriz.

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Vriz, O., Magne, J., Driussi, C. et al. Comparison of arterial stiffness/compliance in the ascending aorta and common carotid artery in healthy subjects and its impact on left ventricular structure and function. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 33, 521–531 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-016-1032-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-016-1032-8

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