Abstract Background Nitric Oxide (NO) plays an important role in blood pressure (BP) regulation, acting directly on peripheral vascular resistance through vasodilation. Physical training (via eNOS/NO) and intake of nitrite have been considered major stimuli to increase NO. Objective We examined the effects of oral nitrite administration and aerobic exercise training on BP and arterial stiffness in Wistar rats. Methods Thirty-nine (39) young male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups (n = 9 or 10 per group): Sedentary-Control […]

Abstract Background Previous studies have established normal and reference values for Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). However, the PWV value that has the strongest association with cardiovascular biomarkers remains poorly understood. Objective This study aimed to determine the PWV value more likely to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), increased intima-media thickness (IMT), and presence of carotid plaques in patients with hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study included 119 patients. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed for each […]

Abstract Background The SAGE score was developed to detect individuals at risk for increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). So far, studies have been focused on hypertensive patients. Objective To assess the ability of the score to detect non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients at risk for increased PWV. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study of analysis of central blood pressure data and calculation of the SAGE score of non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients. Each score point was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive […]

Abstract Biological aging occurs as a result of the interaction between genetics, chronological age and external factors. It is the basis for new concepts of vascular aging, whose progression is determined by the difference between biological and chronological age. From the structural point of view, the effects of vascular aging are more evident in the tunica media of large elastic arteries, marked by increased arterial stiffness, lumen dilation and wall thickness. These effects are described in the continuum of cardiovascular […]

Abstract Background: Arterial stiffness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Body fat measures such as waist circumference (WC) have been associated with CVD in adulthood. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of arterial stiffness, measured by applanation tonometry-Sphygmocor, with WC. Methods: Observational study with 240 participants who make routine consultations at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Participants were interviewed and had central blood pressure measurements (CBPM), anthropometric parameters, abdominal fat and […]

Abstract Background: Arterial stiffness is an important predictor factor of aortopathy and myocardial remodeling in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve and it might be increased in childhood. Objective: To assess the arterial stiffness and left ventricular myocardial function in children with a well-functioning bicuspid aortic valve. Methods: Forty-four children with a bicuspid aortic valve and 41 healthy peers with a tricuspid aortic valve were included in this case-control study. Diameters and the related z-scores of the aortic root and […]

Abstract Background: Little is known about the impact of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in aortic stiffness and if there is any change after removing AS barrier with aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. Objective: To estimate carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) changes after AVR surgery and to define PWV predictors in severe AS patients. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort, including patients with severe AS who underwent AVR surgery with bioprostheses, between February 2017 and January 2019 and performed PWV measurements (Complior®) before […]