Hyperuricemia, Cardiovascular Disease, and Hypertension
In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of hyperuricemia, and the latter has attracted attention as an adult lifestyle-associated disease, together with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Although hyperuricemia is known to be an independent risk factor for hypertension, whether it is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease remains controversial. Recently, some small-scale interventional studies on antihyperuricemic medications showed that the latter improved angina symptoms and prevented cardiovascular disease. Here, we will mainly explain the cause of hyperuricemia and the associ...
Source: Pulse - March 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Anatomical and Functional Estimations of Brachial Artery Diameter and Elasticity Using Oscillometric Measurements with a Quantitative Approach
We report on the reliability of the new automated oscillometric measurement of eA and VE. Based on our findings, this measurement technique should be a reliable approach, and this modality may have practical application to automatically assess muscular artery diameter and elasticity in clinical or epidemiological settings. In this review, we report the characteristics of our new oscillometric measurements and other related vascular function measurements.Pulse 2016;4:1-10 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - March 4, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Arterial Stiffness and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern due to the high prevalence of associated cardiovascular (CV) disease. CV mortality is 10-30 times higher in end-stage renal disease patients than in the age-adjusted general population. The last 20 years have been marked by a huge effort in the characterization of the vascular remodeling process associated with CKD and its consequences on the renal, CV and general prognosis. By comparison with patients with normal renal function, with or without hypertension, an increase in large artery stiffness has been described in end-stage renal disease as well as in CKD st...
Source: Pulse - March 3, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Association between Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (-238G/A and -308G/A) Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory pleiotropic cytokine which may contribute to the initiation and progression of ischemic stroke (IS). Thus far, numerous studies have been performed to examine the association between -238G/A (rs361525) and -308G/A (rs1800629) polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the TNF-α gene and susceptibility to IS, but results are still conflicting. The aim of this meta-analysis is to provide a relatively comprehensive account of the association between TNF-α -238G/A and -308G/A gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to IS. A literature search for eligible candidate gene studi...
Source: Pulse - February 17, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Practical Suitability of a Stand-Alone Oscillometric Central Blood Pressure Monitor: A Review of the Microlife WatchBP Office Central
Accumulating evidence indicates that central blood pressure (CBP) is a better cardiovascular risk predictor than brachial blood pressure (BP). Although more additional benefits of CBP-based treatment above usual hypertension treatment are to be demonstrated, the demand for implementing CBP assessment in general clinical practice is increasing. For this, the measurement procedure must be noninvasive, easy to perform, and cost- and time-efficient. Therefore, oscillometric devices with the possibility to assess CBP seem the best option. Recently, such an oscillometric BP monitor, the Microlife WatchBP Office Central, was deve...
Source: Pulse - February 13, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity: Background, Method, and Clinical Evidence
Background: The populations of many developed countries are becoming progressively older. In aged societies, assessment of total vascular risk is critically important, because old age is usually associated with multiple risks. In this regard, pulse wave velocity (PWV) could be a global cardiovascular marker, since it increases with advancing age, high blood pressure, hyperglycaemia, and other traditional risks, summating cardiovascular risks. Carotid-femoral PWV has been widely applied in Western countries and has been used as a gold-standard PWV measure. However, this measure has never been implemented by general practiti...
Source: Pulse - February 5, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Arterial Stiffness: Tsunami Effect in the Brain
Background: Cerebral small vessel diseases, including silent lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, and microbleeds, pose a risk for cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and the geriatric syndrome via effects on arterial stiffness. However, the vascular, physiological, and metabolic roles of arterial stiffness in cerebral small vessel diseases remain unclear. Summary: Arterial stiffness can be assessed using various indicators such as the ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, cardio-ankle vascular index, and augmentation index. Arterial stiffness is independently associated with all components of c...
Source: Pulse - January 20, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
New Insight into Effects of β-Blockers on Arterial Functions
The effects of β-blockers on arterial properties are not well investigated. In our recent study, we compared the effects of the two β-blockers celiprolol and bisoprolol on blood pressure, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), flow-mediated vasodilatation, and vascular stiffness. We found that bisoprolol achieved a greater reduction in the pulse rate and improved BRS and vascular stiffness, whereas celiprolol reduced the central blood pressure level. In this review, the mechanisms of different types of β-blockers and their effects on arteries are discussed, and the appropriate use of β-blockers in hypertensive subjects will be ...
Source: Pulse - January 19, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Arterial Stiffness: Tsunami Effect in the Brain?
Background: Cerebral small vessel diseases, including silent lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, and microbleeds, pose a risk for cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and the geriatric syndrome via effects on arterial stiffness. However, the vascular, physiological, and metabolic roles of arterial stiffness in cerebral small vessel diseases remain unclear. Summary: Arterial stiffness can be assessed using various indicators such as the ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, cardio-ankle vascular index, and augmentation index. Arterial stiffness is independently associated with all components of c...
Source: Pulse - January 19, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Aortic Root Calcification: A Possible Imaging Biomarker of Coronary Atherosclerosis
It has been reported that coronary atherosclerosis risk assessment using coronary artery calcium and thoracic aorta calcium quantification may improve risk stratification as it can lead to the reclassification of persons at increased risk. The aortic root has been characterized by its close anatomical proximity to the ostial origins of the right and left coronary arteries, and it can be evaluated using multi-detector computed tomography without additional radiation exposure and the use of contrast. The correlations between aortic root calcification and coronary atherosclerotic markers as well as cardiac risk factors have b...
Source: Pulse - January 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Comment on the Paper by Cauwenberghs and Kuznetsova Entitled ‘Determinants and Prognostic Significance of the Renal Resistive Index'
Pulse 2015;3:179-181 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - January 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Determinants and Prognostic Significance of the Renal Resistive Index
Conclusion: Published studies on RRI imply that the interaction between the systemic hemodynamics and peripheral circulation in the kidney is a complex physiological phenomenon. In addition to renal vascular properties, the central hemodynamic factors significantly influence the intrarenal arterial Doppler waveform patterns. Previous research also suggested an important role of the RRI for the evaluation of renal target organ damage, particularly in patients with increased pulsatility of the intrarenal blood flow.Pulse 2015;3:172-178 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - January 12, 2016 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Arterial Stiffness Gradient
Background: Aortic stiffness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality in various clinical conditions. The aim of this review is to focus on the arterial stiffness gradient, to discuss the integrated role of medium-sized muscular conduit arteries in the regulation of pulsatile pressure and organ perfusion and to provide a rationale for integrating their mechanical properties into risk prediction. Summary: The physiological arterial stiffness gradient results from a higher degree of vascular stiffness as the distance from the heart increases, creating multiple reflective sites and attenuating the pulsatile nature of...
Source: Pulse - September 1, 2015 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Model for Predicting Cardiovascular Disease: Insights from a Korean Cardiovascular Risk Model
The profile and prevalence of risk factors in cardiovascular disease (CVD) are different between Western and Asian populations. In the guidelines, tailored approaches following risk stratification based on CVD risk models are recommended for the primary prevention of CVD in asymptomatic subjects. However, current risk models for predicting CVD in Asian populations are limited. A recent study of a large cohort of asymptomatic Korean individuals developed a CVD risk model to predict global cardiovascular risk that showed good performance in predicting cardiovascular events. This model may be useful for the primary prevention...
Source: Pulse - August 25, 2015 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Lipoprotein(a) and Arterial Stiffness Parameters
Conclusion: The present review indicates a positive association between Lp(a) and arterial stiffness, as assessed by PWV and CAVI. To definitively establish these findings, there is a need for further prospective outcome studies that simultaneously measure Lp(a) and the oxidative form of Lp(a) (as a pathological marker) as well as PWV and CAVI.Pulse 2015;3:148-152 (Source: Pulse)
Source: Pulse - August 24, 2015 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
