Gender Related Association between Arterial Stiffness and Aortic Root Geometry

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Arterial stiffness and its impact on aortic morphology show gender-specific differences that are not well understood.
• Previous research has not extensively studied the relationship between arterial stiffness and aortic root size concerning gender.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and aortic root dimensions, stratified by gender.
• To determine if gender influences the relationship between arterial stiffness and aortic dilation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 263 subjects without cardiovascular disease undergoing baPWV and echocardiography.
• Measurement of aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta diameters using 2D echocardiography.
• Statistical analysis including univariable and multivariable regression models to assess correlations, controlling for confounders.

Main Results:

• Body surface area-corrected aortic root diameters were larger in women than men.
• baPWV correlated with aortic dimensions in both genders initially.
• In multivariable models, the association between baPWV and aortic root/ascending aorta size remained significant only in women.
• A significant women-specific correlation was observed in age-matched analyses.

Conclusions:

• The association between increased arterial stiffness and aortic root dilation is more pronounced in women than in men.
• Gender plays a significant role in the relationship between arterial stiffness and aortic morphology.
• Findings suggest potential gender-specific mechanisms in the development of aortic dilation related to arterial stiffness.