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Deteriorated function of cutaneous microcirculation in chronic congestive heart failure
Marie-Louise Edvinsson1, Erik Uddman, Sven E Andersson
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Lund University Hospital, SE-221 85 LUND, Sweden.
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology : JGC
|July 12, 2012
Summary
Vascular reactivity is reduced in patients with chronic heart failure, regardless of age or disease severity. This study highlights compromised peripheral microcirculation in heart failure patients compared to healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Gerontology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Chronic congestive heart failure impairs peripheral microcirculation.
- Vascular reactivity diminishes with advanced age.
- This study investigates combined effects of severe heart failure and aging on vascular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if vascular function is further compromised in very old heart failure patients.
- To compare vascular reactivity in severe heart failure, mild heart failure, and healthy controls.
- To assess the impact of aging and heart failure severity on peripheral circulation.
Main Methods:
- Laser Doppler flowmetry measured cutaneous forearm blood flow.
- Vascular responses to acetylcholine (endothelial) and sodium nitroprusside (smooth muscle) were assessed.
- Three groups studied: NYHA class IV heart failure, NYHA class II heart failure, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Heart failure patients exhibited significantly reduced vascular reactivity compared to controls.
- Reduced reactivity was observed irrespective of stimulation method (acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, heat).
- No significant difference in vascular responses between the two heart failure groups.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous vascular reactivity is diminished in heart failure.
- Reduced vascular reactivity in heart failure does not correlate with disease severity.
- Age does not appear to be a correlating factor with reduced vascular reactivity in this heart failure cohort.
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