Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 20, 2026

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

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound

Published on: December 2, 2014

16.5K

Increased arterial stiffness in children with congenital heart disease

Anna-Luisa Häcker1,2, Barbara Reiner1,2, Renate Oberhoffer1,2

  • 11 Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Germany.

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
|October 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Children with congenital heart disease have higher central systolic blood pressure (SBP) than healthy children, increasing their risk of heart failure. Monitoring central SBP in these children is recommended for timely intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Arterial Stiffness Measurement

Background:

  • Central systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a key indicator of arterial stiffness and a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than peripheral SBP.
  • Elevated central SBP poses a significant risk for atherosclerosis and end-organ damage, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) may face heightened risks from increased central SBP, potentially exacerbating cardiac damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and compare central SBP levels in children diagnosed with congenital heart disease against a healthy control group.
  • To identify specific subgroups of congenital heart disease associated with elevated central SBP.
  • To establish the clinical significance of central SBP as a risk factor in pediatric CHD.

Main Methods:

  • Central SBP was measured using an established oscillometric method in a cohort of 417 children with various forms of CHD.
  • Data were collected between July 2014 and February 2017.
  • Results were compared to a reference cohort comprising 1466 healthy children, with adjustments for relevant covariates using a general linear model.

Main Results:

  • Children with CHD exhibited significantly higher central SBP (102.1 ± 10.2 mmHg) compared to healthy children (100.4 ± 8.6 mmHg; p < .001).
  • Subgroup analysis revealed elevated central SBP in children with left heart obstructions, transposition of the great arteries post-arterial switch, and univentricular hearts post-total cavopulmonary connection.
  • Specific mean differences observed were 3.6 mmHg for left heart obstructions (p < .001), 2.2 mmHg for transposition of the great arteries (p = .017), and 2.1 mmHg for univentricular hearts (p = .015).

Conclusions:

  • Children with congenital heart disease demonstrate significantly elevated central SBP compared to their healthy peers.
  • This elevation in central SBP may predispose children with CHD to premature heart failure.
  • Regular screening and long-term monitoring of central SBP in children with CHD are crucial for assessing the need for therapeutic interventions.

Keywords:
Childrenarterial stiffnesscongenital heart diseasesystolic blood pressure

More Related Videos

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy10:35

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: October 19, 2016

11.2K
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

18.6K

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
599
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
827
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
626
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
715
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
3.3K
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
479