Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

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

Published on: May 3, 2018

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Association between Arterial Stiffness and Higher Burden of Atrial Arrhythmia in Elderly Hypertensive Patients

João Gabriel B Lage1, Alexandre L Bortolotto2, Luiz A Bortolotto2

  • 1Unidade Clínica de Arritmia - Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP - Brasil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|October 23, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Arterial stiffness is linked to more frequent premature atrial contractions (PACs) and reduced left atrial function in hypertensive patients. This study highlights a connection between stiff arteries and atrial arrhythmias, even without diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Physiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation.
  • The mechanisms linking arterial stiffness to atrial arrhythmias require further exploration.
  • Stiff arteries can negatively impact left atrial function before chamber dilation occurs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between arterial stiffness and the density of premature atrial contractions (PACs).
  • To assess this relationship in hypertensive individuals without a history of atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving hypertensive patients without atrial fibrillation.
  • Assessment of arterial stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV).
  • Evaluation of left atrial (LA) strain via speckle-tracking echocardiography and 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring.

Main Results:

  • A correlation was found between higher cfPWV and an increased density of PACs.
  • Increased cfPWV was independently associated with PAC density, irrespective of LV mass index.
  • Higher cfPWV correlated with reduced LA reservoir and conduit strain.

Conclusions:

  • Arterial stiffness is associated with a higher burden of atrial arrhythmias in hypertensive patients.
  • Reduced left atrial strain (reservoir and conduit functions) is linked to increased arterial stiffness.
Abstract

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