Pulse wave velocity and central aortic pressure in systolic blood pressure intervention trial participants

Effects of Blood Pressure Control on Arterial Stiffness Mechanisms in SPRINT: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The longitudinal impact of blood pressure (BP) control on the components of arterial stiffness has not been studied.

METHODS

The SPRINT (Systolic BP Intervention Trial) compared an intensive systolic BP goal (<120 mm Hg) to a standard goal (<140 mm Hg). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in a subset of participants (n=605) at 0, 1, 2, and 3 years after randomization. Structural stiffening due to remodeling of the vessel wall and load-dependent stiffening, from changes in BP, were calculated by adjusting PWV to a 120/80 mm Hg reference BP with participant-specific models. The effect of intensive BP control on BP and arterial stiffness components over time was evaluated using generalized least squares regression.

RESULTS

Intensive BP control slowed the progression of PWV (total stiffness) compared with standard BP control at 3-year follow-up (-0.49 [-0.02 to -0.96] m/s, P=0.042). Differences in total stiffness between treatment groups over 3 years of follow-up were driven by intensive BP control reducing load-dependent PWV (-0.71 [-0.58 to -0.85] m/s, P<0.001), not structural PWV (+0.20 [-0.26 to +0.66], P=0.40). Load-dependent PWV was lower in the intensive treatment group at 1 year and remained lower throughout the follow-up. In contrast, structural PWV was similar between the 2 groups and increased throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive BP control slowed the progression of total arterial stiffness by decreasing load-dependent stiffness, but not through reduced structural stiffness. Future investigations are needed to determine if load-dependent PWV may have potential utility as a biomarker to monitor the efficacy of treatment and guide BP management strategies.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01206062.

Prevalence and associated factors of glomerular hyperfiltration among adult stable sickle cells in Kinshasa, DR Congo

INTRODUCTION

Glomerular hyperfiltration is highly frequent, theoretically dependent on cardiac output, low systemic vascular resistance and hemolysis markers. In sickle cell disease (SCD), hyperfiltration is an extremely common phenomenon and occurred in young and early adult patients. Despite the fact that the glomerular hyperfiltration is known as the early manifestations of sickle cell nephropathy, its burden among adult sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan is poor studied. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hyperfiltration.

METHODS

This was an analytical multicentric cross-sectional study involving stable adult sickle cell patients in Kinshasa, recruited between March and October 2023. Parameters of interest encompasses demographic, clinical, biological, echocardiographic and pulse wave measurement data. Hyperfiltration was defined using the CDK-EPI equation based on cystatin C; eGFR >130 for women and >140 ml/min/1.73m2 for men. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to search determinants of glomerular hyperfiltration.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fourty six (246) patients with SCD were enrolled. The prevalence of hyperfiltration was 20.7%. In multiple logistic regression analysis, hyperfiltration status was independently associated with age (< 25 years) [3.57 (1.78-7.49); p = 0.027)], female sex [4.36 (2.55-5.62); p = 0.031), CRP (< 6 mg/l) [0.77 (0.61-0.97); p = 0.028)], central systolic pressure (< 100 mmHg) and central diastolic pressure (< 60 mmHg) [0.86(0.74-0.98), p = 0.028)], [(0.83 (0.71-0.98); p = 0.032)].

CONCLUSION

One out of five SS adults exhibits hyperfiltration, which is associated with young age and female sex, whereas low CRP and blood pressure were negative risk factors.

Postexercise Arterial Compliance and Hemodynamic Responses to Various Durations and Intensities of Aerobic Exercise

ABSTRACT

Karabulut, M, Bitting, M, and Bejar, J. Postexercise arterial compliance and hemodynamic responses to various durations and intensities of aerobic exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 589-596, 2023-The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various aerobic training protocols using different intensities and durations on arterial compliance and hemodynamic responses. Seventeen male subjects (age = 23.1 ± 2.8 years) performed a maximal oxygen consumption (V̇ o2 max) test, followed by 3 randomly assigned exercise test sessions, each on a separate day. At the beginning of each test session, pre-exercise baseline assessments of arterial elasticity, hemodynamic variables, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were performed after a 10-minute rest. After baseline measurements, participants performed either a bout of aerobic exercise on a treadmill for 60 minutes at 65% of V̇ o2 max (60min); 20 minutes at 40% of V̇ o2 max (20min); or for 20 minutes at 40% of V̇ o2 max with blood flow restriction (BFR; 20min-BFR). All baseline measurements were repeated at the completion of each testing session. Significance for this study was set at p ≤ 0.05. The 60min session resulted in significant increases in small artery elasticity (SAE) compared with the 20min-BFR session ( p < 0.03) and decreases in both systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and total vascular impedance (TVI) compared with both 20min sessions ( p < 0.01). The carotid to radial PWV was significantly lower after both the 60min and the 20min-BFR sessions compared with the 20min session ( p < 0.02). The findings indicate that the duration and the intensity of exercise are important factors for improving SAE, SVR, and TVI. In addition, 20min-BFR at 40% V̇ o2 max may result in site-specific modifications in PWV that is comparable with those seen after 60 minutes of exercise at 65% V̇ o2 max.

Isolated systolic hypertension in young males: a scoping review

Isolated systolic hypertension typically occurs in young males; however, its clinical significance is unknown. Given the prevalence of the hypertension and its contribution to global morbidity and mortality, a synthesis of the most recent available evidence around isolated systolic hypertension is warranted. This review aims firstly to review the haemodynamic and physical characteristics indicative of cardiovascular risk in young males (aged 18 to 30 years) with isolated systolic hypertension, and secondly to synthesize the associated clinical management recommendations reported in the literature. Six databases were systematically searched for all relevant peer-reviewed literature examining isolated systolic hypertension in young males. Search results were screened and examined for validity, those that did not meet the inclusion criteria were removed. A total of 20 articles were appropriate for inclusion. Key factors indicative of cardiovascular risk in isolated systolic hypertension were characterized by several distinctive haemodynamic parameters and physical characteristics. After the literature was synthesized based around these key factors, two distinct cohorts (healthy and unhealthy) were highlighted. The healthy cohort of younger males with isolated systolic hypertension was associated with a decreased cardiovascular risk and therefore no medical interventions were recommended. The second (unhealthy) cohort was, however, associated with an increased cardiovascular risk and may therefore, benefit from antihypertensive therapy.

Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Control on Aortic Stiffness in the SPRINT-HEART

[Figure: see text].

Arterial stiffness and kidney disease progression in the systolic blood pressure intervention trial

AIMS

Arterial stiffness increases with both advancing age and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may contribute to kidney function decline, but evidence is inconsistent. We hypothesized that greater baseline arterial stiffness (assessed as pulse pressure (PP) and carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity CFPWV)) was independently associated with kidney disease progression over the follow-up period (3.8 years) in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

8,815 SPRINT participants were included in the analysis of PP. 592 adults who participated in a SPRINT ancillary study that measured CFPWV were included in subgroup analyses. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the association between PP and time to kidney disease progression endpoints: (A) incident estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 in non-CKD participants at baseline; (B) 50% decline in eGFR, initiation of dialysis, or transplant in those with baseline CKD. Mixed model analyses examined the association of baseline PP/CFPWV with follow-up eGFR.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Mean ± SD age was 68 ± 10 years, baseline PP was 62 ± 14 mmHg, and CFPWV was 10.8 ± 2.7 m/s. In the fully adjusted model, PP ≥ median was associated with an increased hazard of kidney disease progression endpoints (HR: 1.93 (1.43 - 2.61)). The association remained significant in individuals without (2.05 (1.47 - 2.87)) but not with baseline CKD (1.28 (0.55 - 2.65)). In fully adjusted models, higher baseline PP associated with eGFR decline (p < 0.0001 (all, CKD, non-CKD)), but baseline CFPWV did not. Among older adults at high risk for cardiovascular events, baseline PP was associated with kidney disease progression.

Alterations in Vascular Function Associated With the Use of Combustible and Electronic Cigarettes

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been proposed as a potential harm reduction tool for combustible cigarette smokers. The majority of adult e-cigarette users continue to smoke combustible cigarettes and are considered dual users. The vascular impact of e-cigarettes remains incompletely defined. Methods and Results We examined the association of e-cigarette use with measures of vascular function and tonometry, preclinical measures of cardiovascular injury. As part of the CITU (Cardiovascular Injury due to Tobacco Use) study, we performed noninvasive vascular function testing in individuals without known cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors who were nonsmokers (n=94), users of combustible cigarettes (n=285), users of e-cigarettes (n=36), or dual users (n=52). In unadjusted analyses, measures of arterial stiffness including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, carotid-radial pulse wave velocity, and central blood pressures differed across the use groups. In multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, race, and study site, combustible cigarette smokers had higher augmentation index compared with nonusers (129.8±1.5 versus 118.8±2.7, P=0.003). The augmentation index was similar between combustible cigarette smokers compared with sole e-cigarette users (129.8±1.5 versus 126.2±5.9, P=1.0) and dual users (129.8±1.5 versus 134.9±4.0, P=1.0). Endothelial cells from combustible cigarette smokers and sole e-cigarette users produced less nitric oxide in response to A23187 stimulation compared with nonsmokers, suggestive of impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling. Conclusions Our findings suggest that e-cigarette use is not associated with a more favorable vascular profile. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long-term risks of sustained e-cigarette use.

Screening System for Cardiac Problems through Non-Invasive Identification of Blood Pressure Waveform

This paper presents the initial development of a non-invasive system for identification of the pulse pressure waveform to be used for screening cardiac problems. The system employs a tonometric method using an off-the-shelf force sensor and custom-designed electronic circuits. Initial results on the use of the system are presented.

Association of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity With Survival: A Secondary Analysis of SPRINT

IMPORTANCE

Aortic stiffness, as assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, is an independent predictor of future events in individuals with hypertension. Recent data suggest a predictive role of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) calculated by previously published equations using age and blood pressure in future events in individuals with hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether ePWV and its response to treatment predict survival in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This exploratory, hypothesis-generating, post hoc secondary analysis conducted from October 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019, examined data from 9361 participants in SPRINT and calculated ePWV at baseline and at 12 months. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs of ePWV per 1 SD were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 8450 patients were assigned to 4 groups according to their treatment allocation and their response in ePWV after 12 months.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were assigned a systolic blood pressure target of less than 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) or less than 140 mm Hg (standard treatment).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary composite cardiovascular outcome was myocardial infarction, other acute coronary syndromes, stroke, heart failure, or death from cardiovascular causes.

RESULTS

In the SPRINT population (3332 women and 6029 men; mean [SD] age, 67.9 [9.4] years), ePWV predicted the primary outcome (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.17-1.43]; P < .001) and all-cause death (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.46-1.86]; P < .001) independent of the Framingham Risk Score. Estimated pulse wave velocity improved the C statistic model for the primary outcome from 0.676 (95% CI, 0.65-0.70) to 0.683 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71; P = .049) and improved the C statistic model for all-cause death from 0.67 (95% CI, 0.64-0.69) to 0.69 (95% CI, 0.66-0.72; P = .03). Net reclassification index indicated improvement in risk discrimination for survival compared with the Framingham Risk Score (categorical net reclassification index = 0.111; P < .001). Regarding response to treatment, intensive treatment was superior to standard treatment only when it was accompanied with a response in ePWV at the first year, while, within the standard treatment group, individuals whose ePWV responded to antihypertensive treatment had improved all-cause mortality, with a 42% lower risk of death compared with nonresponders (HR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.36-0.94]; P = .03); effects were independent of changes in systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These results suggest that, in the SPRINT trial, ePWV predicted outcomes independent of the Framingham Risk Score, indicating an incremental role of markers of aortic stiffness on cardiovascular risk. Better survival of individuals whose ePWV responded to antihypertensive treatment independently of systolic blood pressure reduction suggests a role of markers of aortic stiffness as effective treatment targets in individuals with hypertension.

Association of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity With Survival: A Secondary Analysis of SPRINT

IMPORTANCE

Aortic stiffness, as assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, is an independent predictor of future events in individuals with hypertension. Recent data suggest a predictive role of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) calculated by previously published equations using age and blood pressure in future events in individuals with hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether ePWV and its response to treatment predict survival in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This exploratory, hypothesis-generating, post hoc secondary analysis conducted from October 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019, examined data from 9361 participants in SPRINT and calculated ePWV at baseline and at 12 months. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs of ePWV per 1 SD were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 8450 patients were assigned to 4 groups according to their treatment allocation and their response in ePWV after 12 months.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were assigned a systolic blood pressure target of less than 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) or less than 140 mm Hg (standard treatment).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary composite cardiovascular outcome was myocardial infarction, other acute coronary syndromes, stroke, heart failure, or death from cardiovascular causes.

RESULTS

In the SPRINT population (3332 women and 6029 men; mean [SD] age, 67.9 [9.4] years), ePWV predicted the primary outcome (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.17-1.43]; P < .001) and all-cause death (HR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.46-1.86]; P < .001) independent of the Framingham Risk Score. Estimated pulse wave velocity improved the C statistic model for the primary outcome from 0.676 (95% CI, 0.65-0.70) to 0.683 (95% CI, 0.66-0.71; P = .049) and improved the C statistic model for all-cause death from 0.67 (95% CI, 0.64-0.69) to 0.69 (95% CI, 0.66-0.72; P = .03). Net reclassification index indicated improvement in risk discrimination for survival compared with the Framingham Risk Score (categorical net reclassification index = 0.111; P < .001). Regarding response to treatment, intensive treatment was superior to standard treatment only when it was accompanied with a response in ePWV at the first year, while, within the standard treatment group, individuals whose ePWV responded to antihypertensive treatment had improved all-cause mortality, with a 42% lower risk of death compared with nonresponders (HR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.36-0.94]; P = .03); effects were independent of changes in systolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These results suggest that, in the SPRINT trial, ePWV predicted outcomes independent of the Framingham Risk Score, indicating an incremental role of markers of aortic stiffness on cardiovascular risk. Better survival of individuals whose ePWV responded to antihypertensive treatment independently of systolic blood pressure reduction suggests a role of markers of aortic stiffness as effective treatment targets in individuals with hypertension.

Local Pulse Wave Velocity: Theory, Methods, Advancements, and Clinical Applications

Local pulse wave velocity (PWV) is evolving as one of the important determinants of arterial hemodynamics, localized vessel stiffening associated with several pathologies, and a host of other cardiovascular events. Although PWV was introduced over a century ago, only in recent decades, due to various technological advancements, has emphasis been directed toward its measurement from a single arterial section or from piecewise segments of a target arterial section. This emerging worldwide trend in the exploration of instrumental solutions for local PWV measurement has produced several invasive and noninvasive methods. As of yet, however, a univocal opinion on the ideal measurement method has not emerged. Neither have there been extensive comparative studies on the accuracy of the available methods. Recognizing this reality, makes apparent the need to establish guideline-recommended standards for the measurement methods and reference values, without which clinical application cannot be pursued. This paper enumerates all major local PWV measurement methods while pinpointing their salient methodological considerations and emphasizing the necessity of global standardization. Further, a summary of the advancements in measuring modalities and clinical applications is provided. Additionally, a detailed discussion on the minimally explored concept of incremental local PWV is presented along with suggestions of future research questions.

Serum Sodium and Pulse Pressure in SPRINT

BACKGROUND

High dietary sodium intake may induce a small, yet physiologically relevant rise in serum sodium concentration, which associates with increased systolic blood pressure. Cellular data suggest that this association is mediated by increased endothelial cell stiffness. We hypothesized that higher serum sodium levels were associated with greater arterial stiffness in participants in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).

METHODS

Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association between baseline serum sodium level and (i) pulse pressure (PP; n = 8,813; a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness) and (ii) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV; n = 591 in an ancillary study to SPRINT).

RESULTS

Baseline mean ± SD age was 68 ± 9 years and serum sodium level was 140 ± 2 mmol/L. In the PP analysis, higher serum sodium was associated with increased baseline PP in the fully adjusted model (tertile 3 [≥141 mmol] vs. tertile 2 [139-140 mmol]; β = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.32 to 1.43). Results were similar in those with and without chronic kidney disease. In the ancillary study, higher baseline serum sodium was not associated with increased baseline CFPWV in the fully adjusted model (β = 0.35, 95% CI = -0.14 to 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults at high risk for cardiovascular events but free from diabetes, higher serum sodium was independently associated with baseline arterial stiffness in SPRINT, as measured by PP, but not by CFPWV. These results suggest that high serum sodium may be a marker of risk for increased PP, a surrogate index of arterial stiffness.

Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness Using Pulse Wave Velocity and Augmentation Index in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Background and Objectives

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common pathology of the circulatory system and is associated with a high morbidity for the patients and causes high costs for the healthcare systems. Arterial stiffness has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. The relationship between CVI and arterial stiffness using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) was evaluated in this study.

Methods

Sixty-two patients with the stage of C3-C5 chronic venous disease (CVD) and 48 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. To assess arterial stiffness, all cases were evaluated with I.E.M. Mobil-O-Graph brand ambulatory blood pressure monitor device. PWV and Aix were used to assess arterial stiffness in this study.

Results

The mean age was 61.9±11.05 years and 54 % of the patient population was females. PWV and Aix were significantly higher in CVI patients than controls (8.92±1.65 vs. 8.03±1.43, p=0.001; 25.51±8.14 vs. 20.15±9.49, p=0.003, respectively) and also positive linear correlation was observed between CVI and all measured arterial stiffness parameters (r=0.675 for CVI and PWV, r=0.659 for CVI and Aix, respectively). A PWV value of > 9.2 has 88.9 % sensitivity and 71.4 % specificity to predict the presence of CVI.

Conclusions

PWV and Aix are the most commonly used, easy, reproducible, reliable methods in the clinic to assess arterial stiffness. Logistic regression analysis showed that PWV and Aix were the independent predictors of CVI. PWV has the sensitivity of 88.9 % and specificity of 71.4 % to detect the presence of CVI.