Increased prevalence of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy in African-Americans: will an epidemic of heart failure follow?

Obesity, hypertension, and tobacco use associated with left ventricular remodeling and hypertrophy in South African women: Birth to Twenty Plus Cohort

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a marker of increased risk in developing future life-threatening cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, it is unclear how CVD risk factors, such as obesity, blood pressure (BP), and tobacco use, are associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and LVH in urban African populations. Therefore, we aimed to identify the prevalence of LVH as well as the health factors associated with LV remodeling and LVH, within black South African adult women and their pre-pubescent children.

METHODS

Black female adults (n = 123; age: 29-68 years) and their children (n = 64; age: 4-10; 55% female) were recruited from the Birth to Twenty Plus Cohort in Soweto, South Africa. Tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity, presence of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and medication were self-reported. Height, weight, and blood pressure were measured in triplicate to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension respectively. Echocardiography was used to assess LV mass at end-diastole, based on linear measurements, and indexed to body surface area to determine LVH.

RESULTS

Hypertension and obesity prevalences were 35.8% and 59.3% for adults and 45.3% and 6.3% for children. Self-reported tobacco use in adults was 22.8%. LVH prevalence was 35.8% in adults (75% eccentric: 25% concentric), and 6.3% in children. Concentric remodeling was observed in 15.4% of adults, however, concentric remodeling was only found in one child. In adults, obesity [OR: 2.54 (1.07-6.02; p = 0.02)] and hypertension [3.39 (1.08-10.62; p = 0.04)] significantly increased the odds of LVH, specifically eccentric LVH, while concentric LVH was associated with self-reported tobacco use [OR: 4.58 (1.18-17.73; p = 0.03)]. Although no logistic regression was run within children, of the four children LVH, three had elevated blood pressure and the child with normal blood pressure was overweight.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between obesity, hypertension, tobacco use, and LVH in adults, and the 6% prevalence of LVH in children, calls for stronger public health efforts to control risk factors and monitor children who are at risk.

The burden, correlates and outcomes of left ventricular hypertrophy among young Africans with first ever stroke in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a pathophysiological response often due to chronic uncontrolled hypertension. Our primary aim was to investigate the magnitude, correlates and outcomes of left ventricular hypertrophy as a surrogate maker for chronic uncontrolled hypertension in young adults ≤ 45 years with stroke. Our secondary aim was to determine the accuracy of electrocardiography using Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy compared to echocardiography.

METHODS

This cohort study recruited young strokes who had undergone brain imaging, electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography at baseline. The modified Poisson regression model examined baseline correlates for left ventricular hypertrophy. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale assessed stroke severity and the modified Rankin Scale assessed outcomes to 30-days. Performance of electrical voltage criterions was estimated using receiver operator characteristics.

RESULTS

We enrolled 101 stroke participants. Brain imaging revealed ischemic strokes in 60 (59.4%) and those with intracerebral hemorrhage, 33 (86.8%) were localized to the basal ganglia. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 76 (75.3%:95%CI 65.7%-83.3%), and 30 (39.5%) and 28 (36.8%) had moderate or severe hypertrophy respectively. Young adults with premorbid or a new diagnosis of hypertension were more likely to have left ventricular hypertrophy, 47 (61.8%), and 26 (34.2%). On multivariable analysis, left ventricular hypertrophy was independently associated with not being on anti-hypertensive medications among hypertensives participants {adjusted risk ratio 1.4 (95%CI:1.04-1.94). The mean National Institute of Health Stroke score was 18 and 30-day mortality was 42 (43.3%). The sensitivity and specificity for Sokolow-Lyon in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy was 27% and 78%, and for Cornell was 32% and 52% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a high proportion of left ventricular hypertrophy in young adults with stroke associated with chronic undertreated hypertension. While the study methodology does not allow us to determine causation, this association and knowledge of pathophysiological processes supports the notion that chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for young strokes associated with high mortality. Our findings did not support the use of the electrical voltage criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy. We recommend low cost interventions like blood pressure screening and treatment to reduce this burden.

Multiomic Profiling in Black and White Populations Reveals Novel Candidate Pathways in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Incident Heart Failure Specific to Black Adults

BACKGROUND

Increased left ventricular (LV) mass is associated with adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure (HF). Both increased LV mass and HF disproportionately affect Black individuals. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we undertook a proteomic screen in a Black cohort and compared the findings to results from a White cohort.

METHODS

We measured 1305 plasma proteins using the SomaScan platform in 1772 Black participants (mean age, 56 years; 62% women) in JHS (Jackson Heart Study) with LV mass assessed by 2-dimensional echocardiography. Incident HF was assessed in 1600 participants. We then compared protein associations in JHS to those observed in White participants from FHS (Framingham Heart Study; mean age, 54 years; 56% women).

RESULTS

In JHS, there were 110 proteins associated with LV mass and 13 proteins associated with incident HF hospitalization with false discovery rate <5% after multivariable adjustment. Several proteins showed expected associations with both LV mass and HF, including NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; β=0.04; P=2×10-8; hazard ratio, 1.48; P=0.0001). The strongest association with LV mass was novel: LKHA4 (leukotriene-A4 hydrolase; β=0.05; P=5×10-15). This association was confirmed on an alternate proteomics platform and further supported by related metabolomic data. Fractalkine/CX3CL1 (C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1) showed a novel association with incident HF (hazard ratio, 1.32; P=0.0002). While established biomarkers such as cystatin C and NT-proBNP showed consistent associations in Black and White individuals, LKHA4 and fractalkine were significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several novel biological pathways specific to Black adults hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiologic cascade of LV hypertrophy and incident HF including LKHA4 and fractalkine.

Racial Differences in Left Ventricular Mass and Wave Reflection Intensity in Children

The burden of heart failure is disproportionately higher in African Americans, with a higher prevalence seen at an early age. Examination of racial differences in left ventricular mass (LVM) in childhood may offer insight into risk for cardiac target organ damage (cTOD) in adulthood. Central hemodynamic load, a harbinger of cTOD in adults, is higher in African Americans. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in central hemodynamic load and LVM in African American and non-Hispanic white (NHW) children. Two hundred sixty-nine children participated in this study (age, 10 ± 1 years; n = 149 female, n = 154 African American). Carotid pulse wave velocity (PWV), forward wave intensity (W1) and reflected wave intensity (negative area, NA) was assessed from simultaneously acquired distension and flow velocity waveforms using wave intensity analysis (WIA). Wave reflection magnitude was calculated as NA/W1. LVM was assessed using standard 2D echocardiography and indexed to height as LVM/[height (2.16) + 0.09]. A cutoff of 45 g/m (2.16) was used to define left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). LVM was higher in African American vs. NHW children (39.2 ± 8.0 vs. 37.2 ± 6.7 g/m (2.16), adjusted for age, sex, carotid systolic pressure and socioeconomic status; p < 0.05). The proportion of LVH was higher in African American vs. NHW children (25 vs. 12 %, p < 0.05). African American and NHW children did not differ in carotid PWV (3.5 ± 4.9 vs. 3.3 ± 1.3 m/s; p > 0.05). NA/W1 was higher in African American vs. NHW children (8.5 ± 5.3 vs. 6.7 ± 2.9; p < 0.05). Adjusting for NA/W1 attenuated racial differences in LVM (38.8 ± 8.0 vs. 37.6 ± 7.0 g/m (2.16); p = 0.19). In conclusion, racial differences in central hemodynamic load and cTOD are present in childhood. African American children have greater wave intensity from reflected waves and higher LVMI compared to NHW children. WIA offers novel insight into early life origins of racial differences in central hemodynamic load and cTOD.

Factors Contributing to Development and Reversal of LVH: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) often reflects as a physiological adaptation to chronic pressure overload. It has been identified as a strong independent risk factor of all-cause mortality and adverse cardiac events. Since not all subjects with hypertension develop LVH, understanding the clinical factors contributing to the development of LVH and the appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies may help clinicians in conducting more definitive evaluation and managing the disease effectively.

AIM

To assess the incidence of LVH in hypertensive subjects and the factors influencing its development and reversal. The study also evaluated the most effective diagnostic technique and therapy that could improve the disease symptoms and prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prospective study, conducted at Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Medical College JSS University, Mysore, India, included 50 patients with hypertension. Detailed history of the recruited subjects was collected from patient records and through physical examination. Demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, BMI, and stage of hypertension (stage I HTN and stage II HTN) were also obtained. Funduscopic examination was done for all patients for evidence of hypertensive retinopathy. Echocardiography (ECHO), electrocardiography (ECG), and chest X-Ray were used for detection of LVH. The patients were reviewed after six months and reassessment of LVH was carried out. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software and R 3.2 package.

RESULTS

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were found to be more effective in the treatment of LVH when compared to calcium channel blockers and beta blockers. ECHO was found to be the best method to diagnose LVH. In patients with stage I HTN, 47.1% had normal LVM. Around 53% of the subjects with stage I HTN and all with stage II HTN had abnormal LVM. Retinal changes were noted in 96.2% of abnormal LVM patients and 50% of normal LVM patients. A positive association between BMI and LVH (OR: 1.39) was also noted.

CONCLUSION

BMI may positively influence LVH regression. The presence of retinopathy, in addition to LVH, suggests an increased chance of regression with anti-hypertensive treatment.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess the impact of maternal habitus on cardiac remodeling during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

It is well known that the maternal cardiovascular system undergoes profound alterations throughout pregnancy. Interest in understanding these changes has led investigators to use evolving and increasingly sophisticated techniques to study these changes, most recently with 2-dimensional echocardiography. Despite its clinical utility, echocardiography has limitations, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) has become increasingly used for evaluation of cardiac structure and function.

OBJECTIVE

We used CMRI to evaluate cardiac remodeling according to maternal habitus throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, observational study of nulliparous women aged 18-30 years, without preexisting medical conditions, conducted from October 2012 through December 2014. Women were classified according to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) as either normal (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)) or overweight (BMI 25-35 kg/m(2)). All women underwent CMRI during 5 epochs throughout gestation: 12-16 weeks, 26-30 weeks, 32-36 weeks, at delivery, and 3 months' postpartum. Using left ventricular mass (LVM) as a marker of cardiac remodeling, the 2 cohorts were compared.

RESULTS

There were 14 normal-weight (BMI 22.2 ± 1.3) and 9 overweight (BMI 29.1 ± 2.0) women who participated in the study. Beginning at 26-30 weeks and continuing to delivery, LVM of both normal-weight and overweight women was significantly increased compared with the respective first-trimester studies for each cohort (P < .001). LVM of both cohorts returned to their index values by 3 months' postpartum. The geometric ratio of LVM to left ventricular end-diastolic volume was calculated, and both normal-weight and overweight women demonstrated concentric remodeling throughout gestation, however this resolved by 12 weeks' postpartum.

CONCLUSION

There is substantial cardiac remodeling during pregnancy with significant increases in LVM that are proportional to maternal size. Left ventricular geometric remodeling was concentric in both normal-weight and overweight women. All changes in cardiac remodeling resolved by 3 months' postpartum.

Leukocyte Telomere Length and Risks of Incident Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality in a Racially Diverse Population of Postmenopausal Women

OBJECTIVE

Telomeres are regions at the ends of chromosomes that maintain chromosomal structural integrity and genomic stability. In studies of mainly older, white populations, shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and increased risks of mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD). On average, African Americans (AfAm) have longer LTL than whites, but the LTL-CHD relationship in AfAm is unknown. We investigated the relationship of LTL with CHD and mortality among AfAm.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Using a case-cohort design, 1525 postmenopausal women (667 AfAm and 858 whites) from the Women's Health Initiative had LTL measured in baseline blood samples by Southern blotting. CHD or mortality hazards ratios were estimated using race-stratified and risk factor-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. There were 367 incident CHD (226 mortality) events in whites, whereas AfAm experienced 269 incident CHD (216 mortality) events during median follow-up of 13 years. Shorter LTL was associated with older age, current smoking, and white race/ethnicity. In whites, each 1 kilobase decrease in LTL was associated with 50% increased hazard of CHD, hazard ratio=1.50 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.10), P=0.017. There was no association between CHD and LTL in AfAm. White women with shorter LTL had higher risks of mortality. In contrast, shorter LTL was weakly associated with decreased mortality hazard in AfAm.

CONCLUSIONS

As one of the largest prospective studies of LTL associations with incident CHD and mortality in a racially diverse sample, our study suggests differences in LTL associations with CHD and mortality between white and AfAm postmenopausal women.

Brain natriuretic hormone predicts stress-induced alterations in diastolic function

BACKGROUND

Mental stress (MS) reduces diastolic function (DF) and may lead to congestive heart failure with preserved systolic function. Whether brain natriuretic hormone (brain natriuretic peptide [BNP]) mediates the relationship of MS with DF is unknown.

METHODS

One hundred sixty individuals aged 30 to 50 years underwent 2-hour protocol of 40-minute rest, videogame stressor and recovery. Hemodynamics, pro-BNP samples and DF indices were obtained throughout the protocol. Separate regression analyses were conducted using rest and stress E/A, E' and E/E' as dependent variables. Predictor variables were entered into the stepwise regression models in a hierarchical fashion. At the first level, age, sex, race, height, body mass index, pro-BNP and left ventricular mass (LVM) were permitted to enter the models. The second level consisted of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR). The final level contained cross-product terms of race by SBP, DBP and HR.

RESULTS

E/A ratio was lower during stress compared to rest and recovery (P < 0.01). Resting E/A ratio was predicted by a regression model of age (-0.31), pro-BNP (0.16), HR (-0.40) and DBP (-0.23) with an R² = 0.33. Stress E/A ratio was predicted by age (-0.24), pro-BNP (0.08), HR (-0.38) and SBP (-0.21) with total R² = 0.22. Resting E' model consisted of age (-0.22), pro-BNP (0.26), DBP (-0.27) and LVM (-0.15) with an R² = 0.29. Stress E' was predicted by age (-0.18), pro-BNP (0.35) and LVM (-0.18) with an R² = 0.18. Resting E/E' was predicted by race (0.17, B > W) and DBP (0.24) with an R² = 0.10. Stress E/E' consisted of pro-BNP (-0.36), height (-0.26) and HR (-0.21) with an R² = 0.15.

CONCLUSIONS

pro-BNP predicts both resting and stress DF, suggesting that lower BNP during MS may be a marker of diastolic dysfunction in apparently healthy individuals.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in African Americans: The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study

OBJECTIVES

In an entirely African-American cohort, we compared clinical characteristics, cardiac structure and function, and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in relation to patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those without HF.

BACKGROUND

African Americans are at increased risk for HF. Nevertheless, there are limited phenotypic and prognostic data in African Americans with HFpEF compared with those with HFrEF and those without HF.

METHODS

Middle-aged African Americans from the Jackson, Mississippi, cohort of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study (n = 2,445) underwent echocardiography between 1993 and 1995. HF prevalence was available in 1,962 patients for whom left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could be quantified. Participants with HF were categorized as having HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%), HFrEF (LVEF <50%), or no HF, with comparisons made between groups.

RESULTS

HF was identified in 116 (5.9%) participants (HFpEF n = 85 [73%]; HFrEF n = 31 [27%]). Compared with those without HF, those with HFpEF were older, were more likely to be female, and had more frequent comorbidities and concentric hypertrophy. In relation to HFrEF, those with HFpEF were more likely to be female but less likely to have coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, left atrial enlargement, and eccentric hypertrophy. Over a median 13.7 years of follow-up, risk of death differed between groups, with age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios of 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 2.25) for HFpEF versus those without HF and 2.50 (95% confidence interval: 1.37 to 4.58) for HFrEF versus HFpEF.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of middle-aged African Americans, HFpEF was the most common form of HF and was associated with a substantially better prognosis than HFrEF but worse than those without HF.

Subclinical hypertensive heart disease in black patients with elevated blood pressure in an inner-city emergency department

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We examine the point prevalence of subclinical hypertensive heart disease in a cohort of urban emergency department (ED) patients with elevated blood pressure.

METHODS

A convenience sample of hypertensive (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg on 2 measurements) patients aged 35 years or older with no history of cardiac or renal disease who presented to a single urban ED and were asymptomatic from a cardiovascular perspective (ie, no symptoms of dyspnea or chest pain) were enrolled. All patients underwent a standardized evaluation (including echocardiography), and subclinical hypertensive heart disease was defined by the presence of one or more of the following criterion-based echocardiographic [corrected] findings: left-ventricular hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction, or diastolic dysfunction.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients were included. Mean age was 49.8 years (SD 8.3 years), 93.8% were black, and 51.6% were men. Nearly all (93.8%) had a history of hypertension, and many (68.3%) were receiving antihypertensive therapy at baseline. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 183.9 mm Hg (SD 25.1 mm Hg) and 109.5 mm Hg (SD 14.4 mm Hg), respectively. Subclinical hypertensive heart disease was found in 146 patients (90.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 85.2% to 94.3%), with most (n=131) displaying evidence of diastolic dysfunction (89.7%; 95% CI 83.7% to 93.7%). Left-ventricular hypertrophy was also common (n=89; 61.0%; 95% CI 52.9% to 68.5%) and was often (but not exclusively) present in those with diastolic filling abnormalities (n=75; 57.3%; 95% CI 48.7% to 65.4%).

CONCLUSION

In our largely black cohort of ED patients with elevated blood pressure, subclinical hypertensive heart disease was highly prevalent, suggesting the need for coordinated efforts to reduce cardiac consequences of hypertension in such inner-city communities.

Does the relationship between natriuretic hormones and diastolic function differ by race?

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure develops earlier and is more prevalent in blacks than whites because of their higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes and likely subsequent diastolic dysfunction. Natriuretic peptides (NP) prevent cardiac malfunction through pressure, natriuresis action. However, whether race affects the relationships of NP action with cardiac function is unknown.

METHODS

To assess this, 55 (21 whites and 27 males) normotensive adults underwent a 2-hour protocol of 40 minutes rest, video game stressor and recovery. Mitral inflow and myocardial velocities (tissue Doppler) were recorded every 20 minutes. Blood pressure and heart rate were obtained at 10-minute intervals. Blood samples for pro-atrial NP and pro-brain NP (pro-BNP) were collected every 40 minutes.

RESULTS

There were differences in the association between (1) the changes from rest to stress for E/A ratio and double product (whites, r = -0.42; blacks, r = 0. 10; P = 0.034 for difference between correlations); (2) stress E(m) and pro-atrial NP (whites, r = 0.59; blacks, r = -0.25; P = 0.025); (3) rest E(m) and BNP (whites, r = 0.83; blacks r = -0.17; P = 000); (4) rest E(m)/A(m) and pro-BNP (whites, r = 0.70; blacks, r = -0.42; P = 0.003); (5) rest E/E(m) and pro-BNP (whites, r = -0.61; blacks, r = 0.31; P = 0.015) and (6) stress E and pro-BNP (whites, r = 0.56; blacks, r = -0.18; P = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

The higher correlations between levels of NP and diastolic function indices both at rest and stress suggest that NP protective action is more pronounced in whites than in blacks.

Sex and race are associated with the absence of epicardial coronary artery obstructive disease at angiography in patients with acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

A substantial minority of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) do not have a diameter stenosis of any major epicardial coronary artery on angiography ("no obstruction at angiography") of > or = 50%. We examined the frequency of this finding and its relationship to race and sex.

HYPOTHESIS

Among patients with myocardial infarction, younger age, female sex and non-white race are associated with the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease at angiography.

METHODS

We reviewed the results of all angiograms performed from May 19, 2006 to September 29, 2006 at 1 private (n = 793) and 1 public (n = 578) urban academic medical center. Charts were reviewed for indication and results of angiography, and for demographics.

RESULTS

The cohort included 518 patients with ACS. There was no obstruction at angiography in 106 patients (21%), including 48 (18%) of 258 patients with myocardial infarction. Women were more likely to have no obstruction at angiography than men, both in the overall cohort (55/170 women [32%] vs 51/348 men [15%], P < 0.001) and in the subset with MI (29/90 women [32%] vs 19/168 men [11%], P < 0.001). Black patients were more likely to have no obstruction at angiography relative to any other subgroup (24/66 [36%] vs 41/229 [18%] Whites, 31/150 [21%] Hispanics, and 5/58 [9%] Asians, P = 0.001). Among women, Black patients more frequently had no obstruction at angiography compared with other ethnic groups (16/27 [59%] vs 17/59 [29%] Whites, 17/60 [28%] Hispanics, and 3/19 [6%] Asians, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of a multiethnic sample of patients with ACS were found to have no stenosis > or = 50% in diameter at coronary angiography. This was particularly common among women and Black patients.

Cardiovascular imaging for assessing cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic men versus women: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery calcium (CAC), carotid intima-media thickness, and left ventricular (LV) mass and geometry offer the potential to characterize incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in clinically asymptomatic individuals. The objective of the study was to compare these cardiovascular imaging measures for their overall and sex-specific ability to predict CVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 4965 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (48% men; mean age, 62±10 years). They were free of CVD at baseline and were followed for a median of 5.8 years. There were 297 CVD events, including 187 coronary heart disease (CHD) events, 65 strokes, and 91 heart failure (HF) events. CAC was most strongly associated with CHD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3 per 1 SD; 95% CI, 1.9 to 2.8) and all CVD events (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5 to 1.9). Most strongly associated with stroke were LV mass (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.7) and LV mass/volume ratio (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6). LV mass showed the strongest association with HF (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.1). There were no significant interactions for imaging measures with sex and ethnicity for any CVD outcome. Compared with traditional risk factors alone, overall risk prediction (C statistic) for future CHD, HF, and all CVD was significantly improved by adding CAC, LV mass, and CAC, respectively (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence that imaging measures differed in association with incident CVD by sex. CAC was most strongly associated with CHD and CVD; LV mass and LV concentric remodeling best predicted stroke; and LV mass best predicted HF.