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Association of beta-blocker use with increased aortic wave reflection
Oladipupo Olafiranye1, Ghazanfar Qureshi, Louis Salciccioli
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.
Journal of the American Society of Hypertension : JASH
|April 23, 2010
Summary
Beta-blocker (BB) use in patients was linked to increased aortic wave reflection and higher aortic systolic blood pressure. However, BBs did not affect aortic atherosclerosis severity or arterial stiffness compared to non-BB users.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Studies suggest beta-blockers (BBs) may offer less cardiovascular risk reduction than alternative agents.
- Understanding the impact of BBs on vascular properties is crucial for cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare aortic atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, and wave reflection in patients treated with and without beta-blockers (BBs).
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two patients (37 on BBs, 35 not) underwent transesophageal echocardiography.
- Measurements included augmentation index (AI), heart-rate-corrected AI (AI-75), aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and aortic intima-media thickness (MAIMT).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in MAIMT or PWV between the BB and non-BB groups.
- The BB group exhibited higher AI, AI-75, aortic SBP, and aortic pulse pressure compared to the non-BB group.
- These differences persisted despite similar brachial blood pressure levels between groups.
Conclusions:
- Beta-blocker use is associated with increased aortic wave reflection.
- BBs did not significantly alter aortic atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness in this patient cohort.
- Further research is needed to clarify the clinical implications of these findings.
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