Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
08:17
Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery
Published on: February 20, 2017
Relationship between central and peripheral atherosclerosis and left ventricular dysfunction in a community
Connie W Tsao1, Philimon Gona, Carol Salton
1Harvard-Thorndike Laboratory and Department of Medicine (Cardiovascular Division), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Vascular Medicine (London, England)
|June 29, 2011
Summary
Cardiovascular risk factors explain the link between coronary heart disease and aortic plaque. However, aortic atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease show strong shared mechanisms beyond traditional risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Atherosclerosis Research
- Community Health Studies
Background:
- Resting left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities (WMAs) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are indicators of cardiovascular risk.
- The relationship between WMAs, aortic plaque, and PAD in a general population is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between LV WMAs, aortic plaque burden, and PAD indicators in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort.
- To explore the role of cardiovascular risk factors in mediating these relationships.
Main Methods:
- 1726 participants underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for LV function and aortic plaque quantification.
- PAD was assessed using ankle-brachial index (ABI) and clinical data on claudication and revascularization.
- Statistical analyses included age-, sex-, and multivariable adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- WMAs showed initial associations with aortic plaque and PAD, which attenuated after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
- Aortic plaque presence and volume were linked to decreased ABI and increased odds of PAD.
- Aortic plaque volume strongly correlated with reduced ABI, even after multivariable adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular risk factors appear to mediate the association between coronary heart disease and non-coronary atherosclerosis (aortic plaque).
- Aortic atherosclerosis and PAD share underlying mechanisms independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
- These findings highlight the interconnectedness of atherosclerosis across different vascular beds.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Atherosclerosis 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)...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:30Coronary 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...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...