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Published on: December 2, 2014
Aortic root dimensions and stiffness in healthy subjects
Olga Vriz1, Caterina Driussi, Manola Bettio
1Department of Emergency and Cardiology, San Antonio Hospital, San Daniele del Friuli, Udine, Italy.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|July 23, 2013
Summary
This study defines normal aortic root size and stiffness in healthy adults, finding that aortic diameter increases with age and stiffness, with men generally having larger aortas. Age is the primary predictor of aortic stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Aortic Physiology
- Geriatric Cardiology
Background:
- Establishing normative data for aortic dimensions and stiffness is crucial for identifying cardiovascular disease.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively assessed aortic root diameters and stiffness across a wide age range in healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the physiological range of aortic root diameters and stiffness in healthy subjects.
- To investigate the influence of age, gender, and body size on aortic dimensions and stiffness.
- To assess the relationship between aortic diameter, stiffness, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography in 422 healthy subjects (age 16-90).
- Measurement of aortic root diameters at four locations using the leading edge method.
- Assessment of aortic wall stiffness via 2D-guided M-mode evaluation of aortic diameter changes.
Main Results:
- Absolute aortic root diameters increased with age in both genders and were larger in men.
- Body surface area-indexed aortic dimensions were similar between genders, except for the ascending aorta.
- Aortic stiffness increased with age in both genders, with age being the sole predictor.
Conclusions:
- This study provides age- and gender-stratified physiological ranges for aortic root diameters and stiffness in healthy individuals.
- Aortic stiffness is an important factor to consider alongside aortic diameter changes with age.
- Normative data are essential for accurate interpretation of echocardiographic findings in clinical practice.
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