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Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
10:08

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Determinants of aortic stiffness: 16-year follow-up of the Whitehall II study

Nanna B Johansen1, Dorte Vistisen, Eric J Brunner

  • 1Steno Diabetes Center A/S, Gentofte, Denmark. nabj@steno.dk

Plos One
|May 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Central obesity strongly predicts aortic stiffness in both sexes. However, heart rate in men and adiponectin in women are key predictors, indicating sex-specific prevention strategies for aortic stiffening are needed.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Aging Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Aortic stiffness is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease.
  • Long-term impacts of cardiovascular risk factors on aortic stiffness remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prospective associations between cardiovascular risk factors and aortic stiffness.
  • To determine sex-specific predictors of aortic pulse wave velocity.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective analysis of 3,769 participants from the Whitehall II cohort (1991-2009).
  • Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors at baseline and aortic pulse wave velocity at follow-up.
  • Sex-stratified linear regression analysis adjusted for confounders; missing data imputed.

Main Results:

  • Central obesity (waist circumference, waist-hip ratio) strongly predicted aortic stiffness in both men and women.
  • Heart rate and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist were significant predictors in men.
  • Adiponectin, triglycerides, and pulse pressure were significant predictors in women.

Conclusions:

  • Central obesity is a key predictor of aortic stiffness.
  • Sex-specific factors like heart rate (men) and adiponectin (women) influence aortic stiffening.
  • Tailored strategies are recommended for preventing aortic stiffness based on sex.
Abstract

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