Correlation between Arterial and Left Ventricle Diastolic Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients

Arterial stiffness has been recognized as an independent predictive value for cardiovascular events. However, information on the 'heart-vessel coupling disease' and its possible implications in different clinical conditions is still not well known. The aim of the study is to analyze the correlation between arterial stiffness and left diastolic ventricle stiffness in hypertensive patients. Carotid and femoral artery stiffness and left ventricle diastolic stiffness were measured using a cardiac ultrasound with hypertension patients (n 47). Subjects with chronic kidney disease, a history of cerebrovascular disease, and coronary artery disease were excluded from the study. Arterial stiffness obtained from the carotis communis artery was significantly correlated to left ventricle diastolic stiffness (r) = 0,38, p <0,01. Arterial stiffness measured from the carotis communis artery had a better correlation with left ventricle diastolic stiffness than arterial stiffness measured from the femoral artery (r) = 0,29; p <0,05.There was no difference in arterial stiffness (mean CAS 3,04±1,6 vs 3,60±1,7; p = 0,271 FAS 2,50±0,95 vs 3,03±1.06; p=0,162) and left ventricle diastolic stiffness (2,25±0,68 vs 2,12±0,6; p=0,52) in controlled vs uncontrolled hypertension in this study. Arterial stiffness is associated with increased left ventricle diastolic stiffness. However, further study is needed to determine the mechanisms.