Correlation between aortic stiffness and left atrial volume index in hypertensive patients.
BACKGROUND
Both arterial stiffness and left atrial volume index are crucial predictors of cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients. The correlation between these two factors has not been previously well established in hypertensive population.


OBJECTIVES
To determine the correlation between arterial stiffness and left atrial volume index in hypertensive patients.


METHODS AND RESULTS
The study was performed in 111 consecutive hypertensive patients (49.5% male, mean age 70.8 ± 10.3 years) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Arterial stiffness was determined by pulse wave velocity in the thoracic aorta by velocity-encoded imaging. Left atrial volume was assessed by biplane area-length method. Pulse wave velocity was significantly correlated with left atrial volume index in univariate analysis (r = 0.20, p = 0.032). In multivariate analysis, pulse wave velocity, coronary artery disease and left ventricular mass remain independent predictors (β = 1.01, p = 0.02).


CONCLUSION
Increased arterial stiffness correlates with left atrial enlargement in hypertensive patients. The prevention of left atrial enlargement and subsequent complications by specific antihypertensive drugs with positive effect on aortic stiffness warrants further studies.
['Janwanishstaporn|Satit|S|', 'Boonyasirinant|Thananya|T|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D000959:Antihypertensive Agents D001013:Aorta, Thoracic D006332:Cardiomegaly D003324:Coronary Artery Disease D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D003920:Diabetes Mellitus D005260:Female D006325:Heart Atria D006801:Humans D006937:Hypercholesterolemia D006973:Hypertension D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D015999:Multivariate Analysis D009929:Organ Size D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic D020521:Stroke D059289:Vascular Stiffness
Aortic stiffness left atrial volume hypertension magnetic resonance imaging pulse wave velocity diastolic function