Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

17.8K

Independent association of high blood pressure and aortic atherosclerosis: A population-based study

Y Agmon1, B K Khandheria, I Meissner

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Circulation
|October 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure is linked to aortic atherosclerosis. This includes complex plaque buildup, highlighting the importance of blood pressure management for stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Public health

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta is a known risk factor for stroke.
  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, but its link to aortic atherosclerosis in the general population was unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between hypertension and aortic atherosclerosis in a general population sample.
  • To investigate if blood pressure is associated with complex aortic atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography on 581 adults aged 45+ from Olmsted County, MN.
  • Blood pressure assessed via office measurements and 24-hour ambulatory monitoring.
  • Multiple logistic regression used to analyze associations, adjusting for age and smoking.

Main Results:

  • Age and smoking were independently associated with any and complex aortic atherosclerosis.
  • Systolic and pulse pressure, but not diastolic, were associated with aortic atherosclerosis.
  • Higher ambulatory systolic blood pressure and hypertension treatment correlated with increased odds of complex aortic atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is independently associated with aortic atherosclerosis.
  • High blood pressure is linked to more complex forms of aortic atherosclerosis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome06:04

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

1.7K
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Aortic Tissues in Atherosclerosis09:55

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Aortic Tissues in Atherosclerosis

Published on: October 25, 2024

1.5K

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
3.8K
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.8K
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
1.8K
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
891
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
961
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
592