Left atrium reclassified: application of the American Society of Echocardiography/European Society of Cardiology cutoffs to unselected outpatients referred to the echocardiography laboratory.

Objectives: We sought to determine whether categorization of abnormal left atrial (LA) size based on volumes indexed to body surface area (LAVi) results in reclassification of LA dilatation if the classic antero-posterior diameter (LAd) was measured. The American Society of Echocardiography/European Society of Cardiology recommended LAVi over linear measurements and recently published cutoffs to qualify LA dilatation. However, many laboratories continue to use the LAd because it appears easier to measure.

Endothelial-dependent vasodilation and incidence of type 2 diabetes in a population of healthy postmenopausal women.

Objective: Both postmenopausal state and diabetes are associated with endothelial dysfunction and are well-known risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, the relationship of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and diabetes has never been prospectively evaluated. This study provided the opportunity to assess the association between endothelial vasodilation function and the incidence of diabetes in a cohort of apparently healthy postmenopausal women.

Flow-mediated vasodilation and the risk of developing hypertension in healthy postmenopausal women.

Objectives: This study provided the opportunity to assess the relationship between endothelial vasomotor function and incidence of hypertension in a cohort of postmenopausal women.

Background: Both menopause and hypertension are associated with endothelial dysfunction and are well-known risk factors for atherosclerotic-related disease.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study that began in 1996 on 952 apparently healthy postmenopausal women, age 53 +/- 5 years (range 44 to 60 years), with initially normal levels of blood pressure and no history of hypertension.