Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
05:51
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
18.2K
Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Increased Symptom Burden in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Malte Kranert1, Tetyana Shchetynska-Marinova2, Tim Berghoff2
1First Department of Medicine - Cardiology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) partner site Mannheim, Germany.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|September 6, 2020
Summary
Increased arterial stiffness (AS) predicts a higher symptom burden in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Reduced aortic compliance is an independent predictor of AF symptoms, highlighting AS
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Arterial stiffness (AS) is a known predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF).
- The relationship between AS and symptom burden in AF patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if increased arterial stiffness (AS) correlates with a higher symptom burden in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Main Methods:
- 162 patients with diagnosed AF were assessed.
- Symptom severity was quantified using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Severity of Atrial Fibrillation (SAF) scale.
- Arterial stiffness indices were measured using transoesophageal echocardiography.
Main Results:
- Symptomatic patients exhibited reduced aortic compliance, cyclic circumferential strain, and aortic distensibility compared to asymptomatic patients.
- Aortic compliance was identified as an independent predictor of AF-related symptoms (OR 2.6, P=0.003).
- Symptomatic patients were younger and more frequently female, with a higher prevalence of hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Increased arterial stiffness contributes significantly to the symptom burden experienced by patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Arterial stiffness plays a prognostic role in the early detection and prevention strategies for atrial fibrillation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
299
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
299
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
217
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
217
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
217
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...
217
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
246
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...
246
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
196
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
196
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
270
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...
270