Association between physical activity performed at different intensities and cardiovascular health in patients with peripheral artery disease: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: We examined the sedentary behavior and physical activity of 260 patients with peripheral artery disease. Women engaged in more light physical activity than men did. Light physical activity was associated with lower arterial stiffness in men only, while no significant associations were found between sedentary behavior, moderate-vigorous physical activity, and cardiovascular outcomes. BACKGROUND: ◼ Women with peripheral artery disease exhibited higher blood pressure and arterial stiffness than men. BACKGROUND: ◼ Low levels of physical activity, particularly moderate to vigorous activity, were observed in individuals with peripheral artery disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the time spent in sedentary behavior and physical activity of different intensities with cardiovascular health in men and women with peripheral artery disease. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty patients with peripheral artery disease and claudication symptoms (65.7% men; 66±1 years; ankle brachial index 0.57±0.18) were evaluated. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using an accelerometer. Physical activity was classified into light and moderate-vigorous intensities. The cardiovascular outcomes included blood pressure (oscillometric method), cardiac autonomic modulation (heart rate variability), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity). RESULTS: Women spent more time engaged in light physical activity than men (341±14 min/day versus 306±9 min/day; p=0.040, respectively). There was no significant difference in the time spent on sedentary behavior and moderate-vigorous physical activity. Women had a higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.025), higher augmentation index (p<0.001), and lower sympathovagal balance (p=0.047) than men. Pulse wave velocity was only negatively associated with light physical activity (ß= -4.66; 95%CI= -8.57; -0.76) in men. Light and moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior were not associated with other cardiovascular outcomes. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of light physical activity were associated with lower arterial stiffness in men with peripheral artery disease.

Comparison of arterial stiffness index predictors in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare climacteric symptoms and arterial stiffness indices between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study sample comprised 70 healthy female participants, including 27 perimenopausal (49.8 ± 3.8 years) and 43 postmenopausal (55.7 ± 4 years) individuals. Validated methods were used to assess physical activity level, quality of life, climacteric symptoms, and anthropometric data. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured using Mobil-O-Graph. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) had a higher mean in the postmenopausal group than in the perimenopause group [8.04 m/s (SD 0.79) vs 7.01 m/s (SD 0.78), p < .001). PWV was strongly correlated with peripheral (r = 0.619) and central (r = 0.632) Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in postmenopausal group and an even stronger correlation was observed in perimenopausal group (r = 0.779 pSBP and 0.782 cSBP). BMI was a risk predictor in the perimenopausal group contributing positively to increase Pulse Pressure Amplification (PPA) (0.458, p < .05). In postmenopausal women, heart rate (HR) was a stronger predictor for central SBP, cardiac output, and total vascular resistance, whereas perimenopausal women HR influenced central diastolic blood pressure and PPA. Vascular changes initiating during perimenopause may contribute to the development of cardiovascular pathologies in the postmenopausal period. Further research with larger, representative samples is warranted to corroborate these findings.

The bodyweight walking distance product and its relationship with clinical markers in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

PURPOSE: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is extensively employed to evaluate gait impairment in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) and has been associated with different health outcomes. However, various approaches exist for calculating and interpreting the six-minute test in order to address the needs of patients more effectively. Therefore, we investigated how these different approaches correlate with functional capacity and cardiovascular health in patients with symptomatic PAD. METHODS: In total, 227 PAD patients [65.2% men and 67 (13) y.o.] were included in this cross-sectional study. The 6MWT was performed along a 30-meter corridor and the distance was expressed in three ways: absolute (described as the meters walked during the test), relativized (based on the results of the 6MWT in healthy individuals), and DW (multiplying the body weight in kilograms by the absolute distance in the 6MWT). A functional capacity z-score was calculated using the results of the handgrip strength test, 4-meter walking test, and sit-and-stand test. A cardiovascular parameter z-score was calculated with data on brachial and central blood pressure, the low-frequency component/high-frequency component ratio, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: The absolute (b = 0.30, 95%CI: 18-0.43, R² = 0.11, p < 0.001) and DW (b = 0.40, 95%CI: 27-0.53, R² = 0.17, p < 0.001) measures were related to functional capacity, independently of sex, age, and the ankle-arm index of the patients. Neither absolute nor DW were related to cardiovascular health. The relativized measure was not associated with either functional capacity or cardiovascular health. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic PAD, absolute and DW measures are related to functional capacity, but not cardiovascular function.

Association between leisure-time physical activity and arterial stiffness in adults of the ELSA-Brasil study: a mediation analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed at defining the direct and the mediated pathways for the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), and also to identify whether these effects are influenced by sex and age. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 13 718 adults (35-74 years) were obtained at the baseline of the ELSA-Brasil study. The cf-PWV was obtained by measuring the pulse transit time and the distance traveled by the pulse between the carotid and the femoral, as well as clinical and anthropometric parameters were measured. The levels of LTPA were determined by applying the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: Classical cardiovascular risk factors were independently associated with cf-PWV. Path analysis showed that increased levels of LTPA were directly associated with lower cf-PWV in both men and women ( ß : -0.123 ±â€Š0.03 vs. 0.065 ±â€Š0.029, P for sex = 0.165), except for diabetes. Also, the mediated effect of LTPA on SBP and DBPs, heart rate, BMI, and fasting glucose, was associated with lower cf-PWV in men and women ( ß : -0.113 ±â€Š0.016 vs. -0.104 ±â€Š0.016, P for sex = 0.692), except for diabetes. When age was tested as a moderator, the direct effect did not change significantly according to participants' age, regardless of sex. However, the mediated effect increases in both men and women over 50 years. CONCLUSION: Our findings support that LTPA in adults reduces cf-PWV by acting in different ways according to age. Physical activity in older individuals improves cardiometabolic risk factors and thus mitigates the stiffening of large arteries.

Aortic pulse wave analysis and functional capacity of heart transplantation candidates: a pilot study.

We compared cardiovascular parameters obtained with the Mobil-O-Graph and functional capacity assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) before and after Heart Transplantation (HT) and also compared the cardiovascular parameters and the functional capacity of candidates for HT with a control group. Peripheral and central vascular pressures increased after surgery. Similar results were observed in cardiac output and pulse wave velocity. The significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) postoperatively was not followed by an increase in the functional capacity. 24 candidates for HT and 24 controls were also compared. Functional capacity was significantly lower in the HT candidates compared to controls. Stroke volume, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure measured peripherally and centrally were lower in the HT candidates when compared to controls. Despite the significant increase in peripheral and central blood pressures after surgery, the patients were normotensive. The 143.85% increase in LVEF in the postoperative period was not able to positively affect functional capacity. Furthermore, the lower values of LVEF, systolic volume, central and peripheral arterial pressures in the candidates for HT are consistent with the characteristics signs of advanced heart failure, negatively impacting functional capacity, as observed by the lower DASI score.

Age and Sex Differences in the Contribution of Mean Arterial Pressure to Pulse Pressure Before Middle Age.

INTRODUCTION: A lower ability to buffer pulse pressure (PP) in the face of increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) may underlie the disproportionate increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in women from young adulthood through middle-aged relative to men. AIM: To evaluate the contribution of MAP to the change in PP and pressure wave contour in men and women from young adulthood to middle age. METHODS: Central pressure waveform was obtained from radial artery applanation tonometry in 312 hypertensive patients between 16 to 49 years (134 women, mean age 35 ± 9 years), 185 of whom were on antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: Higher MAP levels (≥ 100 mmHg) were significantly associated with higher brachial and central SBP (P < 0.001), PP (P < 0.001), incident wave (P = 0.005), AP (P < 0.001), and PWV (P < 0.001) compared to lower MAP levels. The relationship between MAP and brachial PP (P < 0.001), central PP (P < 0.001), incident wave (P < 0.001), and AP (P < 0.01), but not PWV, strengthens with age. The age-related increase in the contribution of MAP to brachial PP (P < 0.001), central PP (P < 0.001), and incident wave (P < 0.001) was more prominent in women than in men beginning in the fourth decade. In multiple regression analyses, MAP remained a significantly stronger predictor of central PP and incident wave in women than in men, independent of age, heart rate, and antihypertensive treatment. In turn, age remained a significantly stronger predictor of central PP and incident wave in women than in men, independent of MAP, heart rate, and antihypertensive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Women of reproductive age showed a steeper increase in PP with increasing MAP, despite comparable increases in arterial stiffness in both sexes. The difference was driven by a greater contribution of MAP to the forward component of the pressure wave in women.

Correlation between estimated pulse wave velocity values from two equations in healthy and under cardiovascular risk populations.

INTRODUCTION: Equations can calculate pulse wave velocity (ePWV) from blood pressure values (BP) and age. The ePWV predicts cardiovascular events beyond carotid-femoral PWV. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between four different equations to calculate ePWV. METHODS: The ePWV was estimated utilizing mean BP (MBP) from office BP (MBPOBP) or 24-hour ambulatory BP (MBP24-hBP). We separated the whole sample into two groups: individuals with risk factors and healthy individuals. The e-PWV was calculated as follows: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] We calculated the concordance correlation coefficient (Pc) between e1-PWVOBP vs e2-PWVOBP, e1-PWV24-hBP vs e2-PWV24-hBP, and mean values of e1-PWVOBP, e2-PWVOBP, e1-PWV24-hBP and e2-PWV24-hBP. The multilevel regression model determined how much the ePWVs are influenced by age and MBP values. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1541 individuals; 1374 ones with risk factors and 167 healthy ones. The values are presented for the entire sample, for risk-factor patients and for healthy individuals respectively. The correlation between e1-PWVOBP with e2-PWVOBP and e1-PWV24-hBP with e2-PWV24-hBP was almost perfect. The Pc for e1-PWVOBP vs e2-PWVOBP was 0.996 (0.995-0.996), 0.996 (0.995-0.996), and 0.994 (0.992-0.995); furthermore, it was 0.994 (0.993-0.995), 0.994 (0.994-0.995), 0.987 (0.983-0.990) to the e1-PWV24-hBP vs e2-PWV24-hBP. There were no significant differences between mean values (m/s) for e1-PWVOBP vs e2-PWVOBP 8.98±1.9 vs 8.97±1.8; p = 0.88, 9.14±1.8 vs 9.13±1.8; p = 0.88, and 7.57±1.3 vs 7.65±1.3; p = 0.5; mean values are also similar for e1-PWV24-hBP vs e2-PWV24-hBP, 8.36±1.7 vs 8.46±1.6; p = 0.09, 8.50±1.7 vs 8.58±1.7; p = 0.21 and 7.26±1.3 vs 7.39±1.2; p = 0.34. The multiple linear regression showed that age, MBP, and age2 predicted more than 99.5% of all four e-PWV. CONCLUSION: Our data presents a nearly perfect correlation between the values of two equations to calculate the estimated PWV, whether utilizing office or ambulatory blood pressure.

Normal or improved cardiovascular risk factors in IGF-I-deficient adults with growth hormone receptor deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Human subjects with generalized growth hormone (GH) insensitivity due to GH receptor deficiency (GHRD)/Laron syndrome display a very low incidence of insulin resistance, diabetes, and cancer, as well as delayed age-related cognitive decline. However, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in these subjects is poorly understood. Here, we have assessed cardiovascular function, damage, and risk factors in GHRD subjects and their relatives. METHODS: We measured markers of CVD in two phases: one in a cohort of 30 individuals (GHRD = 16, control relatives = 14) brought to USC (in Los Angeles, CA) and one in a cohort including additional individuals examined in Ecuador (where the subjects live) for a total of 44 individuals (GHRD = 21, control relatives = 23). Data were collected on GHRD and control groups living in similar geographical locations and sharing comparable environmental and socio-economic circumstances. RESULTS: Compared to controls, GHRD subjects displayed lower serum glucose, insulin, blood pressure, smaller cardiac dimensions, similar pulse wave velocity, lower carotid artery intima-media thickness, lower creatinine, and a non-significant but major reduction in the portion of subjects with carotid atherosclerotic plaques (7% GHRDs vs. 36%, Controls p = 0.1333) despite elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: The current study indicates that individuals with GHRD have normal or improved levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors as compared to their relatives. FUNDING: This study was funded in part by NIH/NIA grant P01 AG034906 to V.D.L.

Association Between Augmentation Index and Total Sleep Time in Night Shift Workers.

Augmentation index and pulse wave velocity are markers of vascular compromise and independent predictors of cardiovascular risk and mortality. While the link between shift work and heightened cardiovascular risk is established, the intricate genesis of early cardiovascular outcomes in shift workers remains incompletely understood. However, there is evidence that sleep duration plays a role in this regard. Here we evaluate the association of total sleep time with pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and central blood pressure in night shift workers. This study cross-sectionally evaluated the association of total sleep time evaluated by 10-day monitoring actigraphy with augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, and brachial and central blood pressure evaluated by oscillometry in nursing professionals, 63 shift workers (89% women; age = 45.0 ± 10.5 years), and 17 (100% women; age = 41.8 ± 15.6) day workers. There were no differences in the studied variables between shift workers and day workers. Results of correlation analysis demonstrated that pulse wave velocity, central systolic blood pressure, central diastolic blood pressure, brachial systolic blood pressure, and brachial diastolic blood pressure tended to have significant correlation with each other, while these measures did not have a significant relationship with augmentation index in both groups. However, results of adjusted restricted cubic spline analysis showed a U-shaped-curve association between total sleep time and augmentation index (p < 0.001 for trend) with a nadir at 300-360 min of total sleep time in shift workers. The present study showed that total sleep time, assessed by actigraphy, had a U-shaped association with augmentation index in shift workers, which indicated better characteristics of vascular functionality when sleep time was 5-6 h in the workers studied.

Higher Arterial Stiffness Predicts Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults: The ELSA-Brasil Cohort Study. / Maior Rigidez Arterial Prediz Doença Renal Crônica no Estudo de Coorte ELSA-Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Central Illustration : Higher Arterial Stiffness Predicts Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults: The ELSA-Brasil Cohort Study. BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffening can directly affect the kidneys, which are passively perfused by a high flow. However, whether the relation between arterial stiffness and renal function depends on diabetes and hypertension conditions, is a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between arterial stiffening by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence in individuals and verify whether this association is present in individuals without hypertension and diabetes. METHODS: A longitudinal study of 11,647 participants of the ELSA-Brasil followed up for four years (2008/10-2012/14). Baseline cfPWV was grouped per quartile, according to sex-specific cut-offs. Presence of CKD was ascertained by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-CKD-EPI) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g. Logistic regression models were run for the whole cohort and a subsample free from hypertension and diabetes at baseline, after adjustment for age, sex, race, schooling, smoking, cholesterol/HDL ratio, body mass index, diabetes, use of antihypertensive, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular disease. Statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: The chance of CKD was 42% (CI 95%: 1.05;1.92) greater among individuals in the upper quartile of cfPWV. Among normotensive, non-diabetic participants, individuals in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of cfPWV presented greater chances of developing CKD, as compared to those in the lower quartile, and the magnitude of this association was the greatest for those in the upper quartile (OR: 1.81 CI 95%: 1.14;2.86). CONCLUSION: Higher cfPWV increased the chances of CKD and suggests that this effect is even greater in individuals without diabetes and hypertension.

Pulse Wave Velocity of 8.2 m/s as a Threshold Associated with Cardiovascular Target Organ Damage Presence. / Velocidade de Onda de Pulso de 8,2m/s como Limiar Associado à Presença de Lesão de Órgão Alvo Cardiovascular.

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 cardiovascular biomarker. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: According to the ROC curve analysis, the PWV values were 8.1 m/s, 8.2 m/s, and 8.7 for the LVH, IMT, and presence of carotid plaques, respectively. A PWV value of 8.2 m/s was identified as the best parameter to determine the three TOD biomarkers. PWV above 8.2 m/s was associated with increased CIMT (p = 0.004) and the presence of carotid plaques (p = 0.003) and LVH (p<0.001). PWV above 8.2 showed greater sensitivity for increased CIMT (AUC = 0.678, sensitivity = 62.2), LVH (AUC = 0.717, sensitivity = 87.2), and the presence of plaques (AUC = 0.649, sensitivity = 74.51) in the ROC curve analysis. CONCLUSION: The PWV value 8.2 m/s was more sensitive in early identifying the existence of cardiovascular biomarkers of TOD.

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos prévios estabeleceram valores de normalidade e de referência da Velocidade de Onda de Pulso (VOP). Porém, qual valor de VOP que apresenta a associação mais forte com biomarcadores cardiovasculares ainda é pouco conhecido. OBJETIVO: Identificar o valor de VOP com maior possibilidade de estar associado com hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE), aumento da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIMC), e presença de placas carotídeas em pacientes hipertensos. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo transversal de 119 pacientes. Análise de curvas características de operação do receptor (ROC) foi realizada para cada biomarcador cardiovascular. A diferença estatística foi estabelecida em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Segundo análises das curvas ROC, valores de VOP de 8,1m/s para HVE, 8,2m/s para EMIC aumentada e 8,7m/s para a presença de placa carotídea foram encontrados, respectivamente. O valor de VOP de 8,2m/s foi definido como melhor o parâmetro para encontrar os três biomarcadores de LOA. A VOP acima de 8,2m/s associou-se ao aumento da EMIC (p = 0,004), à presença de placas carotídeas (p = 0,003) e à HVE (p < 0,001). A VOP acima de 8,2m/s apresentou maior sensibilidade para EMIC aumentada (AUC = 0,678, sensibilidade 62,2), HVE (AUC = 0,717, sensibilidade 87,2), e presença de placas (AUC = 0,649, sensibilidade 74,51) na análise das curvas ROC. CONCLUSÃO: O valor de 8,2m/s de VOP foi mais sensível em identificar, precocemente, a existência de biomarcadores cardiovasculares de LOA.

Impact of social isolation during COVID-19 on anthropometric data, quality of life, baseline physical activity and aortic pulse wave parameters in children and adolescents in two independent samples.

BACKGROUND: The social restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the routine of children and adolescents, with important consequences such as sleep, eating, and psychological/psychiatric disorders. Even though there are no studies on the subject, it is possible that these changes in habit and routine have also affected arterial stiffness (AS) in this population, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to assess possible changes in AS, anthropometry, and quality of life (QoL) resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents. METHODS: A controlled observational cross-sectional study was performed with 193 children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years, allocated into two groups: before the pandemic (BPG) and one year after the pandemic (APG), matched by age and sex. Cardiovascular parameters were measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. The main AS indices evaluated were the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) derived from the aortic pulse wave. QoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0). RESULTS: Regarding QoL, the APG showed a worsening in emotional (p = 0.002) and school-related (p = 0.010) aspects. There was no statistically significant difference for most anthropometric parameters, except for the hip circumference, which was higher in the APG group (p < 0.001). The main predictor of AS in the paediatric population, AIx@75, was shown to be increased in the APG group (p < 0.001). Other cardiovascular parameters were also different, such as peripheral (p = 0.002) and central (p = 0.003) diastolic blood pressure, stroke volume (p = 0.010), and total vascular resistance (p = 0.002), which were shown to be decreased in the APG group, while the heart rate was increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that routine changes resulting from the period of social isolation increased cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents, evident by the increase in AIx@75, which is considered to be an important marker of cardiovascular risk in the paediatric population.

Could We Predict POAF With a Simple Ambulatory Oscillometry Evaluating Aortic Stiffness?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between aortic stiffness and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: This study included 110 patients undergoing elective isolated CABG. Aortic stiffness was measured using a noninvasive oscillometric sphygmomanometer before surgery. Characteristics of patients with and without POAF were compared. RESULTS: POAF developed in 32 (29.1%) patients. Patients with POAF were older (63.7±8.6 vs. 58.3±8.4; P=0.014). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was more common in patients with POAF (11.5% vs. 37.5%; P=0.024), whereas the frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and previous coronary artery disease did not differ. C-reactive protein and cholesterol levels were similar between patients with and without POAF. Left atrial diameter was greater in patients with POAF (35.9±1.6 vs. 36.7±1.7; P<0.039). Peripheral (p) and central (c) systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also similar between the groups, whereas both p and c pulse pressures (PP) were greater in patients with POAF (pPP: 44.3±11.9 vs. 50.3±11.6; P=0.018, cPP: 31.4±8.1 vs. 36.2±8.9; P=0.008). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly higher in POAF (8.6+1.3 vs. 9.4+1.3; P=0.006). PWV, pPR and COPD were independent predictors of POAF in multivariate regression analysis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, PWV and pPP have similar accuracy for predicting POAF (PWV, area under the curve [AUC]: 0.661, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.547-0.775], P=0.009) (pPP, AUC: 0.656, 95% CI [0.542-0.769], P=0.012). CONCLUSION: COPD, PWV, and PP are predictors of POAF. PP and PWV, easily measured in office conditions, might be useful for detecting patients with a higher risk of POAF.

Aortic pulse wave comparison between controls and triathletes in baseline conditions and in response to acute maximum exercise.

To determine the effects of intense training on aortic pulse wave variables and hemodynamic parameters at baseline and at recovery from maximal exercise testing (MaxET) in triathletes compared with sedentary individuals. In this prospective and experimental study, 21 triathletes and 21 sedentary individuals were recruited and evaluated prior and two minutes after the MaxET using the Mobil-O-Graph®, which estimates the aortic pulse wave from the brachial artery pressure. The augmentation index (AIx@75) was lower in triathletes after the MaxET compared to control group (16.34 ± 5.95 vs. 23.5 ± 8.53%, p = 0.001), while the pulse wave velocity (PWV) was similar between groups. The heart rate was significantly lower at baseline and after MaxET in triathletes group (55.70 ± 8.95 bpm 91.49 ± 11.39 bpm) compared with control group (62.11 ± 6.70 bpm; 102.08 ± 10.85 bpm). The stroke volume was significantly higher at baseline (96.08 ± 13.96 ml; 86.17 ± 11.24 ml) and after MaxET in triathletes group (69.15 ± 6.51 ml, 58.38 ± 6.99 ml) compared with control group. Triathetes show lower value of AIx@75 after MaxET in comparison with the control group. AIx@75, in addition to being an indirect measure of arterial stiffness, is also a measure of left ventricular afterload. Thus, the lower AIx@75 in triathletes may be due to their lower left ventricular afterload, lower myocardial oxygen demand, and greater coronary perfusion than sedentary individuals. The hemodynamic changes observed in triathletes at rest and during an acute exercise bout are distinctive characteristics of aerobic physical training.

Arterial Stiffness Associated with Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Obese Individuals with Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic disorder associated with several risk factors, and increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference are correlated with it is severity. AIM: To evaluate vascular function, central hemodynamics, and autonomic modulation in obese individuals with moderate and severe OSA. METHODS: Individuals of both sexes, aged 40-70 years and BMI ≥ 30 and < 40 kg/m2, were submitted to assessment of heart rate variability, endothelial function by flow-mediated dilatation, central parameters by oscillometry and carotid ultrasound. The sleep study was performed through a portable home sleep test device (WatchPAT). RESULTS: Patients (n = 76) were divided according to Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): absent-mild group (AHI < 15 events/h, n = 30) and Moderate-Severe (MS) group (AHI ≥ 15 events/h, n = 46). The Low/High Frequency (LF/HF) ratio (0.81 ± 0.48 vs 1.39 ± 1.08 ms2, p = 0.035), Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV; 6.9 ± 0.7 vs 7.7 ± 1.6m/s, p = 0.004), vascular age (48 ± 6 vs 53 ± 9 years, p = 0.05) and mean intima-media thickness (0.59 ± 0.08 vs 0.66 ± 0.13 mm, p = 0.011) were significantly higher in the MS group. AHI was significantly correlated with PWV (r = 0.26, p = 0.024) and LF/HF ratio (r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Only in the MS group, PWV was significantly correlated with SD2/SD1 ratio (r = 0.611, p ≤ 0.001), and flow-mediated dilation with central systolic blood pressure (r = 0.364, p = 0.018), even after adjustment for age and sex. CONCLUSION: In this sample of obese individuals, moderate to severe OSA was associated with sympathetic hyperactivity and evidence of accelerated vascular aging with arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Sclerostin and TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis: can they be important in the patients with glomerulonephritis?

OBJECTIVE: Sclerostin is a protein produced by osteocytes, kidneys, and vascular cells and has many effects on kidney and vascular structures. Soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis is a proinflammatory cytokine that may cause glomerular and tubular injury and increase sclerostin expression. This study aimed to investigate serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels in patients with glomerulonephritis and the effects they may be associated with. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 93 patients, 63 of whom were glomerulonephritis and 30 were healthy controls. Serum sclerostin, soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis, and 24-h urinary protein excretion were measured, and pulse wave velocity was calculated for arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis were higher in glomerulonephritis patients than in the control group, and serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were correlated with both proteinuria and pulse wave velocity. In addition, in the regression analysis, serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were found to be independent predictors of proteinuria in patients with glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis are elevated in glomerulonephritis patients, and these two markers correlate with arterial stiffness and proteinuria in these patients. Considering the effects of sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis in patients with glomerulonephritis, we think these mechanisms will be the target of both diagnosis and new therapies.

Comparison of Central Aortic Pressure between Women with Preeclampsia and Normotensive Postpartum Women from an Urban Region of Western Mexico.

Background and Objectives: Central aortic pressure (CAP) can be measured through noninvasive methods, and CAP wave analysis can provide information about arterial stiffness. The objective of this study was to compare CAP in women with preeclampsia and normotensive postpartum women from an urban region in western Mexico. Materials and Methods: We recruited 78 women in immediate puerperium, including 39 with preeclampsia and 39 with normotension, who received delivery care in our hospital between September 2017 and January 2018. Pulse wave analysis was used to assess central hemodynamics as well as arterial stiffness with an oscillometric device. For this purpose, the measurement of the wave of the left radial artery was obtained with a wrist applanation tonometer and the ascending aortic pressure wave was generated using the accompanying software (V 1.1, Omron, Japan). Additionally, the systolic CAP, diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, heart rate, and rise rate adjusted for a heart rate of 75 bpm were determined. The radial pulse wave was calibrated using the diastolic and mean arterial pressures obtained from the left brachial artery. For all the statistical analyses, we considered p < 0.05 to be significant. Results: The results were as follows: a systolic CAP of 125.40 (SD 15.46) vs. 112.10 (SD 10.12) with p < 0.0001 for women with and without preeclampsia, respectively. Systolic CAP was significantly elevated in women with preeclampsia and could indicate an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: CAP is an important parameter that can be measured in this group of patients and is significantly elevated in women with postpartum preeclampsia, even when the brachial blood pressure is normal.

Birth conditions nutritional status in childhood associated with cardiometabolic risk factors at 30 years of age: a cohort study.

This study aimed to assess the association of birth conditions, nutritional status, and childhood growth with cardiometabolic risk factors at 30 years of age. We also evaluated whether body mass index (BMI) at 30 years mediated the association of weight gain in childhood with cardiometabolic risk factors. This is a prospective cohort study that included all live births in 1982 in hospitals in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, whose families lived in the urban area. Mothers were interviewed at birth, and participants were followed at different ages. For our analyses, we used data on weight and height collected at birth, 2 and 4 years and cardiovascular risk factors at 30 years. Multiple linear regressions were performed to obtain adjusted coefficients and G-formula for mediation analysis. Relative weight gain in childhood, despite the age, was positively related to mean arterial pressure, whereas relative weight gain in late childhood was positively associated with carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, plasma glucose, and C-reactive protein. BMI in adulthood captured the total effect of relative weight gain in the period between 2 and 4 years on carotid intima-media thickness, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Our findings reinforce the evidence that rapid relative weight gain after 2 years of age may have long-term consequences on the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.

Eating behaviour, quality of life and cardiovascular risk in obese and overweight children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a major cardiovascular risk factor because it predisposes individuals to comorbidities that are implicated in an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Its origin may be related to poor eating habits, such as the intake of foods of low nutritional value or inadequate eating behaviours related to emotional factors. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the total body mass of children and adolescents and its association with eating habits, quality of life (QoL), and possible changes in early markers of cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study that evaluated anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters, QoL, and eating behaviour in 181 children and adolescents aged between 5 and 13 years. Participants were stratified according to BMI/age into three groups (Adequate Weight, Overweight, and Obesity). Anthropometry included weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio. QoL was assessed using the Peds-QL 4.0 questionnaire, and eating behaviour was assessed using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Cardiovascular parameters were assessed using the Mobil-O-Graph® device, which measures the pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx@75) to estimate arterial stiffness (AS), which is considered an early marker of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: In addition to the increase in anthropometric measurements (p < 0.001), the Obesity group exhibited behaviour related to food intake (p < 0.05). When analysing QoL, a worsening in the social domain was also observed in the Obesity group (p < 0.05). However, PWV and AIx@75 did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Eating behaviour is related to the development of childhood obesity. However, early markers of cardiovascular risk related to AS did not change as a function of total body mass in the children evaluated.