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Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Published on: September 27, 2024
Pulse wave analysis as a tool to assess endothelial function following lipid lowering intervention in
Nik Nor Izah Nik Ibrahim1, Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool1, Razlina Abdul Rahman2
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia; Hospital Pakar USM, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab II, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Background:
Pulse wave analysis (PWA) assesses endothelial dependent vasodilation (EDV) via the change in augmentation index (AIx) and has been used as a tool to assess endothelial function. However, its effectiveness in assessing the response to lipid lowering treatment has not been evaluated. The study aimed to describe and correlate the change in EDV following lipid lowering intervention in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Methods:
48 newly diagnosed patients with hypercholesterolemia underwent 6 months intervention with statin and/or therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) in clinical setting. Lipid profile measurement and endothelial function assessment using PWA were performed pre- and post-intervention.
Results:
Significant reductions in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) with corresponding significant improvement in EDV (2.94 ± 3.69 % to 7.50 ± 3.79 %, p < 0.001) were observed following intervention. Sub-analyses revealed greater LDL-C reductions and EDV improvements in the statin group compared to TLC. There was a significant inverse correlation between the change in EDV and the change in LDL-C after intervention (r = -0.298, p = 0.040).
Conclusion:
Endothelial function assessed by PWA showed a parallel change with lipid profile pattern following lipid lowering intervention. The simple and non-invasive method may provide a potential tool for evaluating endothelial function and treatment outcomes in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
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