Proximal aortic stiffness modifies the relationship between heart rate and backward wave and hence central arterial pulse pressure.

Aims: A lower heart rate (HR) increases central blood pressure through enhanced backward wave pressures (Pb). We aimed to determine whether these relationships are modified by increases in aortic stiffness.

Methods: Using non-invasive central pressure, aortic velocity and diameter measurements in the outflow tract (echocardiography), we assessed the impact of aortic stiffness on relationships between HR and arterial wave morphology in 603 community participants < 60 years of age, 221 ≥ 60 years, and in 287 participants with arterial events [stroke and critical limb ischemia (CLI)].

Marked Arterial Functional Changes in Patients With Arterial Vascular Events Across the Early Adult Lifespan.

Objective: The age at which arteriosclerosis begins to contribute to events is uncertain. We determined, across the adult lifespan, the extent to which arteriosclerosis-related changes in arterial function occur in those with precipitous arterial events (stroke and critical limb ischemia). Approaches and Results: In 1082 black South Africans (356 with either critical limb ischemia [n=238] or stroke [n=118; 35.

Complementary Impact of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness With Plaque in Associations With Noncardiac Arterial Vascular Events.

The ability of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) to predict risk beyond plaque is controversial. In 952 participants (critical limb ischemia [CLI] or stroke, n = 473; community, n = 479), we assessed whether relationships with events for IMT complement the impact of plaque in young patients depending on the extent of thrombotic versus atherosclerotic disease. The extent of atherosclerotic versus thrombotic occlusion was determined in 54 patients with CLI requiring amputations.