Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 25, 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

Relation between coronary artery disease, aortic stiffness, and left ventricular structure in a population sample

C D Gatzka1, J D Cameron, B A Kingwell

  • 1From the Alfred and Baker Medical Unit, Alfred Hospital, and the Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. cdg@ee.latrobe.edu.au

Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|September 18, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Newly diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) patients exhibit increased aortic stiffness and left ventricular mass. This finding may link higher pulse pressures to increased CAD mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Cardiac Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality.
  • Aortic stiffness and left ventricular structure are implicated in cardiovascular health.
  • The relationship between early-stage CAD, aortic stiffness, and cardiac remodeling requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between newly diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stiffness.
  • To examine left ventricular structure in individuals with previously unknown CAD.
  • To determine if increased aortic stiffness correlates with altered left ventricular mass in early CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Recruitment of 55 patients with newly diagnosed CAD and 55 matched controls.
  • Measurement of arterial blood pressure, transverse aortic systolic expansion, and left ventricular structure via echocardiography.
  • Assessment of aortic stiffness using pressure-strain relationships and stiffness indices (Ep, beta).

Main Results:

  • CAD patients demonstrated significantly higher aortic stiffness (higher brachial pulse pressure, Ep, and beta values) compared to controls.
  • Mean arterial pressure was comparable between groups.
  • Left ventricular mass index was significantly elevated in CAD patients versus controls.
  • A majority of CAD patients (61%) presented with the highest quartile of aortic stiffness.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals newly diagnosed with CAD exhibit increased aortic stiffness and left ventricular mass.
  • Elevated aortic stiffness may be an early indicator or contributor to CAD development.
  • These findings suggest a potential mechanism linking increased pulse pressure, aortic stiffness, and cardiovascular mortality in CAD.

More Related Videos

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

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression13:07

Optical Coherence Tomography Based Biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression

Published on: January 15, 2022

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

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)...