Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplementation for Cardiovascular Health Outcomes
There is a plausible physiological theory, supported by many observational studies, that vitamin D supplementation should be effective for improving cardiovascular end points, such as blood pressure (BP), large artery stiffness, atherosclerosis, endothelial function and clinical events. However, results from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been inconsistent. In this review, we evaluated the evidence regarding the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for cardiovascular surrogate and hard clinical end points. RCTs were assessed in terms of sample size, duration of supplementation, baseline vitamin D level incl...
Source: Pulse - December 8, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cardiovascular Effects of Long-Term Vitamin D Supplementation: Summarised by Many but Studied by Few
Pulse 2016;4:172-174 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - December 7, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Large Artery Stiffness Assessment Using SphygmoCor Technology
This article briefly describes these parameters related to large artery stiffness and provides reference to validation and repeatability studies relative to the clinical use of the SphygmoCor devices. It is beyond the scope to review here the 424 original research articles that have employed SphygmoCor devices in measuring arterial stiffness. Instead, the method of measurement across the devices is described, including tonometry, volumetric displacement through cuff placement around limbs, and ambulatory monitoring. Key population and subpopulation studies are cited where the average stiffness parameter progression with ag...
Source: Pulse - November 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity Calculated from Age and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure
In a recently published paper, Greve et al [J Hypertens 2016;34:1279-1289] investigate whether the estimated carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (ePWV), calculated using an equation derived from the relationship between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), age, and blood pressure, predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) as good as the measured cfPWV. Because ePWV predicts CVD as good as cfPWV, some might wonder whether ePWV could be replaced by cfPWV, which is a time-consuming measurement requiring an expensive apparatus. This question is addressed in this mini-review.Pulse 2016;4:175-179 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - November 30, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Association between Beta-Fibrinogen C148T Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in a North Indian Population: A Case-Control Study
Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that polymorphism in the C148T position of the β-fibrinogen gene might be a risk factor for IS mainly for the small vessel disease stroke subtype in a North Indian population. Further, large prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.Pulse 2016;4:165-171 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - October 11, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Pulse of Asia 2016 Seoul, September 24-26, 2016, Seoul, Republic of Korea: Abstracts
Pulse 2016;4:93-164 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - September 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Relationship between Interleukin-6 (-174G/C and -572C/G) Promoter Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis
Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that IL-6 gene polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of ICH. However, caution must be taken while considering the results of our meta-analysis due to the presence of small sample size. Our results cannot be extrapolated to represent the effect of entire IL-6 genetic polymorphism on stroke patients worldwide. Therefore, further well-designed studies with large sample size are warranted to validate our findings and provide a profound conclusion.Pulse 2016;4:61-68 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - July 13, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The J-Curve Phenomenon in Hypertension
Almost immediately after antihypertensive therapy was proven effective in preventing cardiovascular events, the J-curve issue emerged as a hot topic. The Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) trial attempted to address this question (diastolic blood pressure (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - June 17, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Molecular Mechanisms of Arterial Stiffening
Stiffening of large arteries is a hallmark of vascular aging and one of the most important determinants of the age-related increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular disease events. Despite a substantial genetic component, the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic variability in arterial stiffness remain unknown. Previous genetic studies have identified several genetic variants that are associated with measures of arterial stiffness. Here, we review the relevant advances in the identification of pathways underlying arterial stiffness from genomic studies.Pulse 2016;4:43-48 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - May 18, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Within-Home Blood Pressure Variability on a Single Occasion Has Clinical Significance
There is growing evidence that diversely defined blood pressure variability (BPV) is an independent predictor of hypertensive target organ damage (TOD) and cardiovascular events. Several mechanisms have been speculated to underlie episodes of increased BPV, including the impairment of autonomic or hormonal regulation, renal dysfunction, and increased arterial stiffness. Within-home BPV, defined as differences in BP values obtained on a single occasion at home, could have prognostic significance for hypertensive TOD. It is typically thought that BP values are decreased with repeated measurements on a single occasion at home...
Source: Pulse - May 11, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Relation of Habitual Chocolate Consumption to Arterial Stiffness in a Community-Based Sample: Preliminary Findings
Conclusions: Weekly chocolate intake may be of benefit to arterial stiffness. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms that may mediate the observed effects of habitual chocolate consumption on arterial stiffness.Pulse 2016;4:28-37 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - May 3, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Carotid Stiffness: A Novel Cerebrovascular Disease Risk Factor
Carotid stiffening is considered an important element in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases. These include stroke as well as vascular dementia and depression. However, results of individual studies evaluating the association between carotid stiffening and incident stroke have been inconsistent. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, showing that carotid stiffening is associated with incident stroke independently of cardiovascular risk factors and aortic stiffness. In addition, carotid stiffening improved stroke risk prediction beyond the Framingham stroke risk factors and aortic stiff...
Source: Pulse - April 14, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Assessment of Arterial Stiffness Using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index
Background: Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease. Although measurement of pulse wave velocity is a widely accepted, noninvasive approach for the assessment of arterial stiffness, its accuracy is affected by changes in blood pressure. Summary: The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is an index of the overall stiffness of the artery from the origin of the aorta to the ankle and is theoretically independent of blood pressure at the time of measurement. CAVI increases linearly with age and is elevated even in mild arteriosclerotic disease. It can identify differenc...
Source: Pulse - April 8, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Contents Vol. 3, 2015
Pulse 2015;3:I-IV (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - April 5, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Quantification of the Interrelationship between Brachial-Ankle and Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in a Workplace Population
Conclusions: Brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral PWV were closely correlated, and had similar determinants. Brachial-ankle PWV can behave as an ease-of-use alternative measure of arterial stiffness for assessing cardiovascular risk.Pulse 2015;3:253-262 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - March 15, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
