Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality. Sudden cardiac death may also appear in... more Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality. Sudden cardiac death may also appear in athletes, due to underlying congenital or inherited cardiac abnormalities. The electrocardiogram is used in clinical practice and clinical trials, as a valid, reliable, accessible, inexpensive method. The aim of the present paper was to review electrocardiographic (ECG) signs associated with cardiovascular mortality and the mechanisms underlying those associations, providing a brief description of the main studies in this area, and consider their implication for clinical practice in the general population and athletes. The main ECG parameters associated with cardiovascular mortality in the present paper are the P wave (duration, interatrial block, and deep terminal negativity of the P wave in V1), prolonged QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals, QRS duration and fragmentation, bundle branch block, ST segment depression and elevation, T waves (inverted, T wave axes), spatial angles between QRS and T vectors, premature ventricular contractions, and ECG hypertrophy criteria.
Aim: To assess the relationship between repolarization variables and arterial function. Methods: ... more Aim: To assess the relationship between repolarization variables and arterial function. Methods: A total of 54 participants, aged 33 ± 10 years, underwent arteriography and standard 12lead electrocardiography (ECG). Arteriography was performed using a noninvasive automated oscillometric method, assessing: brachial (Aix Brach) and aortic augmentation index (Aix Ao), pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial age (AA), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and diastolic area index (DAI). Standard 12-lead ECG enabled measurement of QT and Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) intervals and TpTe/QT ratios. Results: QT interval was prolonged in patients with elevated blood pressure or body mass index. Significant associations were found between electrocardiographic repolarization parameters, such as QT intervals, TpTe and TpTe/QT and arteriography variables, such as Aix Brach, Aix Ao, PWV and AA. Conclusion: Prolonged QTc and Tpe are associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, impaired coronary perfusion and accelerated arterial aging.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Apr 1, 2008
No. 47 The relation between late ventricular potentials and isointegral QRST body surface maps in... more No. 47 The relation between late ventricular potentials and isointegral QRST body surface maps in chronic myocardial infarction patients
Chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) may create, due to structural heterogeneity, abnormal electro... more Chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) may create, due to structural heterogeneity, abnormal electrophysiological substrates which trigger re-entrant life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical instability is assessed using body surface mapping (BSM) [multipolar isointegral QRST maps (mp I(QRST))] and 12-lead ECG (QT dispersion: QTd: the difference between maximal and minimal QT interval). The aim was to find the relation between mp I(QRST) and QTd in CMI patients. The 32 CMI patients, underwent 12-lead ECG and 64-lead BSM. The 80% (25) of the patients had mp I(QRST) maps. QTd was larger in patients with mp than those with dipolar maps (dp): 170 +/- 20 ms in mp vs 94 +/- 19 ms in dp, respectively. The latter, mp I(QRST) was associated with a decrease of maximum and a stronger minimum. Multipolar I(QRST) is associated with a loss of maximum values and increased absolute values of the minimum in CMI patients. I(QRST) and QTd provide similar information in predicting postinfarction arrhythmia risk.
s e185 Conclusions: Highest hypertension prevalence among the three countries was in the Russia a... more s e185 Conclusions: Highest hypertension prevalence among the three countries was in the Russia and in Russian population in Kyrgyzstan.Hypertension awareness in Russia was higher.In Kyrgyzstan,hypertension awareness was lower among Russian women.Among hypertensive participants,the percentage of treated hypertension in Samara was most. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan hypertension treatment was lower among native population.Most higher percentage of controlled BP was in Samara.
As weight increases, the blood volume and the work of the heart augment too, leading, in time, to... more As weight increases, the blood volume and the work of the heart augment too, leading, in time, to left ventricular hypertrophy and affecting myocardial contraction and relaxation. Obesity is frequently associated with diabetes, increasing the cardiovascular risk, and represents ...
impaired autonomic function, hepatorenal syndrome, metabolic abnormalities, advanced age, inflamm... more impaired autonomic function, hepatorenal syndrome, metabolic abnormalities, advanced age, inflammatory syndrome, stressful events, impaired drug metabolism and comorbidities. Close monitoring of cirrhotic patients is needed for arrhythmias, particularly when QT intervalprolonging drugs are given, or if electrolyte imbalances or hepatorenal syndrome appear. Arrhythmia risk may persist after liver transplantation due to possible QT interval prolongation, persistence of the parasympathetic impairment, post-transplant reperfusion and chronic immunosuppression, as well as consideration of the fact that the transplant itself is a stressful event for the cardiovascular system. The aims of the present article were to provide a review of the most important data regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and biomarkers of arrhythmia risk in patients with liver cirrhosis, to elucidate the association with long-term outcome, and to propose future research directions.
International journal of collaborative research on internal medicine and public health, 2012
Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death risk are associated with prolonged ... more Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death risk are associated with prolonged electrocardiographic (ECG) QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals. Objective: To evaluate the influence of blood pressure variables on ventricular repolarization parameters, especially QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals. Method: Two groups of patients were enrolled in the study. The firs group included 77 patients, with essential hypertension, aged 62±12 years, 40% males. The control group included 56 patients, age and sex matched, with optimal, normal and high normal blood pressure. They underwent 12-lead ECG and ventricular repolarization parameters were assessed. QT intervals: QTmax (maximal QT interval duration), QTc (heart rate corrected QTmax), QTm (mean QT interval duration in all leads), QTIIc (heart rate corrected QT interval duration in lead DII), and T wave variables: T0e (maximal T wave duration), Tpe (maximal Tpeak-Tend interval) and Ta (maximal T wave amplitude) were manually measured. Arterial blood pressure variables: systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP), were recorded. Result: SBP was 139±24 mmHg, DBP 86±13 mmHg, MAP 103±15 mmHg, PP 53±16 mmHg, QTmax 430±51 ms, QTc 474±48 ms and Tpe 100±26 ms in the hypertensive group. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations (multiple R=0.985, significance F<0.01) of DBP with QTIIc (p<0.01) and Tpe (p<0.01). MAP was significantly associated (multiple R=0.986, F<0.01) with QTc (p<0.001) and QTm (p=0.014). Multiple regression analysis also revealed significant associations between blood pressure variables and ECG parameters in the control group. Arterial blood pressure values and mean arterial blood pressure were sensitive and specific predictors of prolonged QT intervals in the hypertensive group. Conclusion: Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures and mean arterial pressure are predictors of prolonged QT intervals. Blood pressure variables are associated with the ventricular repolarization parameters.
International journal of collaborative research on internal medicine and public health, 2012
Introduction: A prolonged ECG QT interval duration and an increased QT dispersion (QTd) are predi... more Introduction: A prolonged ECG QT interval duration and an increased QT dispersion (QTd) are predictors of sudden cardiac death. Anemia is known as a marker of adverse outcome in cardiovascular disease. Objective: The aim was to assess the relationship between anemia and QT intervals in hypertensive patients. Method: A total of 72 hypertensive patients underwent standard 12-lead ECG. QT intervals and QT dispersions were manually measured. Complete blood count was also assessed. Result: Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between prolonged QTc and increased QTd and anemia and macrocytosis, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between red cell distribution width (RDW) >15% and prolonged heart rate corrected maximal QT interval duration (QTc) and QT interval in lead DII (QTIIc). The most sensitive and specific predictor of prolonged QTc and QTIIc was anisocytosis. Anemia was the most sensitive predictor of QTd > 60ms and macrocytosis, the most specific. Conclusion: Anemia, macrocytosis and anisocytosis predict prolonged QT intervals in hypertensive patients.
Cardiovascular diseases represent important complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, ... more Cardiovascular diseases represent important complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, generated by an accelerated atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is represented by the assessment of the correlations between serum levels of vitamin D, disease activity, and endothelial dysfunction in patients with early RA. Material and Methods. The study was performed on a group of 35 patients with early RA and 35 healthy subjects matched for age and gender, as controls. In all studied subjects, the following were determined: inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, vitamin D levels, and endothelial dysfunction. Statistical analysis were performed using the Student's t-test and the Pearson's test. p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. The group of patients with RA patients presented inflammation, low levels of vitamin D, elevated insulin resistance, and reduced flow-mediated vasodilation, statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0 00001). Significant inverse correlations between the levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and DAS28, respective insulin resistance, and significant positive correlation between 25(OH) vitamin D and endothelial function were demonstrated. Conclusion. In early RA patients with moderate and high disease activity, low serum levels of vitamin D were associated with disease activity, increased insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction.
Obese children present a higher cardio-metabolic risk. Measuring vascular biomarkers that assess ... more Obese children present a higher cardio-metabolic risk. Measuring vascular biomarkers that assess the evolution of arterial stiffness, subclinical atherosclerosis, and hypertension in such patients could be helpful in the long term. We studied 84 children, aged from 6 to 18 years: 50 obese subjects, versus 34 of normal weight. Clinical examination involved: BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and detection of the presence of acanthosis nigricans and irregular menstrual cycles (the latter in adolescent girls). The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured with the Aixplorer MACH 30 echography device. The pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and peripheral and central blood pressures (i.e., SBP, DBP, cSBP, cDBP, and cPP) were acquired through a Mobil-O-Graph device. Obese subjects underwent body composition analysis with a Tanita BC-418. Blood tests were: HOMA-IR, lipid panel, uric acid, and 25-OH vitamin D. All vascular biomarkers presented increa...
Childhood obesity speeds up the development of arterial stiffness and progressively increases the... more Childhood obesity speeds up the development of arterial stiffness and progressively increases the values of arterial pressure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of using pulse wave analysis (PWA) to measure arterial stiffness as a sign of vascular wall impairment in obese children. The research was focused on 60 subjects: 33 obese and 27 normal-weight. Ages ranged from 6 to 18 years old. PWA includes parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), peripheral and central blood pressure (SBP, DBP, cSBP, cDBP), heart rate, and central pulse pressure (cPP). The device used was a Mobil-O-Graph. Blood parameters were taken from the subject’s medical history, not older than 6 months. A high BMI and a large waist circumference are linked to a high PWV. The levels of LDL-c, triglycerides (TG), non-HDL-c, TG/HDL-c ratio, and total cholesterol-HDL-c ratio significantly correlate to PWV, SBP, and cSBP. Alanine aminotransferase is a reliable predictor ...
Vascular aging, characterized by structural and functional alterations of the vascular wall, is a... more Vascular aging, characterized by structural and functional alterations of the vascular wall, is a hallmark of aging and is tightly related to the development of cardiovascular mortality and age-associated vascular pathologies. Over the last years, extensive and ongoing research has highlighted several sophisticated molecular mechanisms that are involved in the pathophysiology of vascular aging. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms could help to provide a new insight into the complex biology of this non-reversible vascular process and direct future interventions to improve longevity. In this review, we discuss the role of the most important molecular pathways involved in vascular ageing including oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, extracellular matrix metalloproteinases activity, epigenetic regulation, telomere shortening, senescence and autophagy.
International journal of collaborative research on internal medicine and public health, 2013
Background: The relationship between shift work and cardiovascular disease is controversial. Obje... more Background: The relationship between shift work and cardiovascular disease is controversial. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the relationship between shift work and arterial age and to identify predictors of early arterial aging. Methods/Study Design: A total of 61 workers, 77% working in 2 or more shifts, underwent arteriography. Arterial age (AA), brachial and aortic augmentation index (Aix Brach and Aix Ao) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. The participants were questioned about smoking habits, cardiovascular family and personal history, physical work and number of shifts. Results/Findings: Aix Brach was: -40±29 %, AixAo: 16±1.71%, PWV: 8.06±1.44 m/s, AA: 41±15 years. The number of shifts was significantly associated with Aix Brach (p<0.01) and Aix Ao (p<0.01) (Multiple R=0.875, F<0.01); PWV (p<0.01) and AA (p=0.0001) (Multiple R=0.922, F<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations between arterial age and smoking ...
Due to blood pressure (BP) variability it is diffi cult to defi ne the most representative BP val... more Due to blood pressure (BP) variability it is diffi cult to defi ne the most representative BP values of each patient and the limits of OBP are well known; even though OBP remains the usual reference for medical decisions, ABPM is increasingly preferred because it may supply a more informative picture of BP load. A new method of BP measurement, that is AOBP, it has been proposed after the impressive results of the SPRINT study that, however, raised quite a bit of discussions. The aim of this study was to compare the AOBP with ABPM in an unselected sample of subjects. Design and method: Before starting the ABPM, AOBP was also measured on the same arm for 5 minutes after 10 minutes of rest in a quiet room with the patient alone. ABPM with less than 90% BP values were excluded; then the results of ABPM where analyzed taking into account the exact time the patient went to bed and raised as written on the diary. Therefore we calculated the daytime and nighttime BP mean and we also averaged the lower tertile of BP measurements that we called "basal'' BP. 100 unselected subjects were considered for the analysis. Results: As expected systolic AOBP was on the average 15 mmHg lower than OBP and this was due to the presence of the physician and not to the measuring device. On average the AOPB was very similar to the "basal'' BP but with wide variations in the individual patients. Conclusions: The variables associated with such a different behavior of AOBP are being investigated.
Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality. Sudden cardiac death may also appear in... more Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality. Sudden cardiac death may also appear in athletes, due to underlying congenital or inherited cardiac abnormalities. The electrocardiogram is used in clinical practice and clinical trials, as a valid, reliable, accessible, inexpensive method. The aim of the present paper was to review electrocardiographic (ECG) signs associated with cardiovascular mortality and the mechanisms underlying those associations, providing a brief description of the main studies in this area, and consider their implication for clinical practice in the general population and athletes. The main ECG parameters associated with cardiovascular mortality in the present paper are the P wave (duration, interatrial block, and deep terminal negativity of the P wave in V1), prolonged QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals, QRS duration and fragmentation, bundle branch block, ST segment depression and elevation, T waves (inverted, T wave axes), spatial angles between QRS and T vectors, premature ventricular contractions, and ECG hypertrophy criteria.
Aim: To assess the relationship between repolarization variables and arterial function. Methods: ... more Aim: To assess the relationship between repolarization variables and arterial function. Methods: A total of 54 participants, aged 33 ± 10 years, underwent arteriography and standard 12lead electrocardiography (ECG). Arteriography was performed using a noninvasive automated oscillometric method, assessing: brachial (Aix Brach) and aortic augmentation index (Aix Ao), pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial age (AA), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and diastolic area index (DAI). Standard 12-lead ECG enabled measurement of QT and Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) intervals and TpTe/QT ratios. Results: QT interval was prolonged in patients with elevated blood pressure or body mass index. Significant associations were found between electrocardiographic repolarization parameters, such as QT intervals, TpTe and TpTe/QT and arteriography variables, such as Aix Brach, Aix Ao, PWV and AA. Conclusion: Prolonged QTc and Tpe are associated with endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, impaired coronary perfusion and accelerated arterial aging.
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Apr 1, 2008
No. 47 The relation between late ventricular potentials and isointegral QRST body surface maps in... more No. 47 The relation between late ventricular potentials and isointegral QRST body surface maps in chronic myocardial infarction patients
Chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) may create, due to structural heterogeneity, abnormal electro... more Chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) may create, due to structural heterogeneity, abnormal electrophysiological substrates which trigger re-entrant life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical instability is assessed using body surface mapping (BSM) [multipolar isointegral QRST maps (mp I(QRST))] and 12-lead ECG (QT dispersion: QTd: the difference between maximal and minimal QT interval). The aim was to find the relation between mp I(QRST) and QTd in CMI patients. The 32 CMI patients, underwent 12-lead ECG and 64-lead BSM. The 80% (25) of the patients had mp I(QRST) maps. QTd was larger in patients with mp than those with dipolar maps (dp): 170 +/- 20 ms in mp vs 94 +/- 19 ms in dp, respectively. The latter, mp I(QRST) was associated with a decrease of maximum and a stronger minimum. Multipolar I(QRST) is associated with a loss of maximum values and increased absolute values of the minimum in CMI patients. I(QRST) and QTd provide similar information in predicting postinfarction arrhythmia risk.
s e185 Conclusions: Highest hypertension prevalence among the three countries was in the Russia a... more s e185 Conclusions: Highest hypertension prevalence among the three countries was in the Russia and in Russian population in Kyrgyzstan.Hypertension awareness in Russia was higher.In Kyrgyzstan,hypertension awareness was lower among Russian women.Among hypertensive participants,the percentage of treated hypertension in Samara was most. In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan hypertension treatment was lower among native population.Most higher percentage of controlled BP was in Samara.
As weight increases, the blood volume and the work of the heart augment too, leading, in time, to... more As weight increases, the blood volume and the work of the heart augment too, leading, in time, to left ventricular hypertrophy and affecting myocardial contraction and relaxation. Obesity is frequently associated with diabetes, increasing the cardiovascular risk, and represents ...
impaired autonomic function, hepatorenal syndrome, metabolic abnormalities, advanced age, inflamm... more impaired autonomic function, hepatorenal syndrome, metabolic abnormalities, advanced age, inflammatory syndrome, stressful events, impaired drug metabolism and comorbidities. Close monitoring of cirrhotic patients is needed for arrhythmias, particularly when QT intervalprolonging drugs are given, or if electrolyte imbalances or hepatorenal syndrome appear. Arrhythmia risk may persist after liver transplantation due to possible QT interval prolongation, persistence of the parasympathetic impairment, post-transplant reperfusion and chronic immunosuppression, as well as consideration of the fact that the transplant itself is a stressful event for the cardiovascular system. The aims of the present article were to provide a review of the most important data regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and biomarkers of arrhythmia risk in patients with liver cirrhosis, to elucidate the association with long-term outcome, and to propose future research directions.
International journal of collaborative research on internal medicine and public health, 2012
Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death risk are associated with prolonged ... more Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death risk are associated with prolonged electrocardiographic (ECG) QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals. Objective: To evaluate the influence of blood pressure variables on ventricular repolarization parameters, especially QT and Tpeak-Tend intervals. Method: Two groups of patients were enrolled in the study. The firs group included 77 patients, with essential hypertension, aged 62±12 years, 40% males. The control group included 56 patients, age and sex matched, with optimal, normal and high normal blood pressure. They underwent 12-lead ECG and ventricular repolarization parameters were assessed. QT intervals: QTmax (maximal QT interval duration), QTc (heart rate corrected QTmax), QTm (mean QT interval duration in all leads), QTIIc (heart rate corrected QT interval duration in lead DII), and T wave variables: T0e (maximal T wave duration), Tpe (maximal Tpeak-Tend interval) and Ta (maximal T wave amplitude) were manually measured. Arterial blood pressure variables: systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP), were recorded. Result: SBP was 139±24 mmHg, DBP 86±13 mmHg, MAP 103±15 mmHg, PP 53±16 mmHg, QTmax 430±51 ms, QTc 474±48 ms and Tpe 100±26 ms in the hypertensive group. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations (multiple R=0.985, significance F<0.01) of DBP with QTIIc (p<0.01) and Tpe (p<0.01). MAP was significantly associated (multiple R=0.986, F<0.01) with QTc (p<0.001) and QTm (p=0.014). Multiple regression analysis also revealed significant associations between blood pressure variables and ECG parameters in the control group. Arterial blood pressure values and mean arterial blood pressure were sensitive and specific predictors of prolonged QT intervals in the hypertensive group. Conclusion: Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures and mean arterial pressure are predictors of prolonged QT intervals. Blood pressure variables are associated with the ventricular repolarization parameters.
International journal of collaborative research on internal medicine and public health, 2012
Introduction: A prolonged ECG QT interval duration and an increased QT dispersion (QTd) are predi... more Introduction: A prolonged ECG QT interval duration and an increased QT dispersion (QTd) are predictors of sudden cardiac death. Anemia is known as a marker of adverse outcome in cardiovascular disease. Objective: The aim was to assess the relationship between anemia and QT intervals in hypertensive patients. Method: A total of 72 hypertensive patients underwent standard 12-lead ECG. QT intervals and QT dispersions were manually measured. Complete blood count was also assessed. Result: Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between prolonged QTc and increased QTd and anemia and macrocytosis, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between red cell distribution width (RDW) >15% and prolonged heart rate corrected maximal QT interval duration (QTc) and QT interval in lead DII (QTIIc). The most sensitive and specific predictor of prolonged QTc and QTIIc was anisocytosis. Anemia was the most sensitive predictor of QTd > 60ms and macrocytosis, the most specific. Conclusion: Anemia, macrocytosis and anisocytosis predict prolonged QT intervals in hypertensive patients.
Cardiovascular diseases represent important complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, ... more Cardiovascular diseases represent important complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, generated by an accelerated atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is represented by the assessment of the correlations between serum levels of vitamin D, disease activity, and endothelial dysfunction in patients with early RA. Material and Methods. The study was performed on a group of 35 patients with early RA and 35 healthy subjects matched for age and gender, as controls. In all studied subjects, the following were determined: inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, vitamin D levels, and endothelial dysfunction. Statistical analysis were performed using the Student's t-test and the Pearson's test. p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. The group of patients with RA patients presented inflammation, low levels of vitamin D, elevated insulin resistance, and reduced flow-mediated vasodilation, statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0 00001). Significant inverse correlations between the levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and DAS28, respective insulin resistance, and significant positive correlation between 25(OH) vitamin D and endothelial function were demonstrated. Conclusion. In early RA patients with moderate and high disease activity, low serum levels of vitamin D were associated with disease activity, increased insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction.
Obese children present a higher cardio-metabolic risk. Measuring vascular biomarkers that assess ... more Obese children present a higher cardio-metabolic risk. Measuring vascular biomarkers that assess the evolution of arterial stiffness, subclinical atherosclerosis, and hypertension in such patients could be helpful in the long term. We studied 84 children, aged from 6 to 18 years: 50 obese subjects, versus 34 of normal weight. Clinical examination involved: BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and detection of the presence of acanthosis nigricans and irregular menstrual cycles (the latter in adolescent girls). The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured with the Aixplorer MACH 30 echography device. The pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and peripheral and central blood pressures (i.e., SBP, DBP, cSBP, cDBP, and cPP) were acquired through a Mobil-O-Graph device. Obese subjects underwent body composition analysis with a Tanita BC-418. Blood tests were: HOMA-IR, lipid panel, uric acid, and 25-OH vitamin D. All vascular biomarkers presented increa...
Childhood obesity speeds up the development of arterial stiffness and progressively increases the... more Childhood obesity speeds up the development of arterial stiffness and progressively increases the values of arterial pressure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of using pulse wave analysis (PWA) to measure arterial stiffness as a sign of vascular wall impairment in obese children. The research was focused on 60 subjects: 33 obese and 27 normal-weight. Ages ranged from 6 to 18 years old. PWA includes parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), peripheral and central blood pressure (SBP, DBP, cSBP, cDBP), heart rate, and central pulse pressure (cPP). The device used was a Mobil-O-Graph. Blood parameters were taken from the subject’s medical history, not older than 6 months. A high BMI and a large waist circumference are linked to a high PWV. The levels of LDL-c, triglycerides (TG), non-HDL-c, TG/HDL-c ratio, and total cholesterol-HDL-c ratio significantly correlate to PWV, SBP, and cSBP. Alanine aminotransferase is a reliable predictor ...
Vascular aging, characterized by structural and functional alterations of the vascular wall, is a... more Vascular aging, characterized by structural and functional alterations of the vascular wall, is a hallmark of aging and is tightly related to the development of cardiovascular mortality and age-associated vascular pathologies. Over the last years, extensive and ongoing research has highlighted several sophisticated molecular mechanisms that are involved in the pathophysiology of vascular aging. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms could help to provide a new insight into the complex biology of this non-reversible vascular process and direct future interventions to improve longevity. In this review, we discuss the role of the most important molecular pathways involved in vascular ageing including oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, extracellular matrix metalloproteinases activity, epigenetic regulation, telomere shortening, senescence and autophagy.
International journal of collaborative research on internal medicine and public health, 2013
Background: The relationship between shift work and cardiovascular disease is controversial. Obje... more Background: The relationship between shift work and cardiovascular disease is controversial. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the relationship between shift work and arterial age and to identify predictors of early arterial aging. Methods/Study Design: A total of 61 workers, 77% working in 2 or more shifts, underwent arteriography. Arterial age (AA), brachial and aortic augmentation index (Aix Brach and Aix Ao) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. The participants were questioned about smoking habits, cardiovascular family and personal history, physical work and number of shifts. Results/Findings: Aix Brach was: -40±29 %, AixAo: 16±1.71%, PWV: 8.06±1.44 m/s, AA: 41±15 years. The number of shifts was significantly associated with Aix Brach (p<0.01) and Aix Ao (p<0.01) (Multiple R=0.875, F<0.01); PWV (p<0.01) and AA (p=0.0001) (Multiple R=0.922, F<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations between arterial age and smoking ...
Due to blood pressure (BP) variability it is diffi cult to defi ne the most representative BP val... more Due to blood pressure (BP) variability it is diffi cult to defi ne the most representative BP values of each patient and the limits of OBP are well known; even though OBP remains the usual reference for medical decisions, ABPM is increasingly preferred because it may supply a more informative picture of BP load. A new method of BP measurement, that is AOBP, it has been proposed after the impressive results of the SPRINT study that, however, raised quite a bit of discussions. The aim of this study was to compare the AOBP with ABPM in an unselected sample of subjects. Design and method: Before starting the ABPM, AOBP was also measured on the same arm for 5 minutes after 10 minutes of rest in a quiet room with the patient alone. ABPM with less than 90% BP values were excluded; then the results of ABPM where analyzed taking into account the exact time the patient went to bed and raised as written on the diary. Therefore we calculated the daytime and nighttime BP mean and we also averaged the lower tertile of BP measurements that we called "basal'' BP. 100 unselected subjects were considered for the analysis. Results: As expected systolic AOBP was on the average 15 mmHg lower than OBP and this was due to the presence of the physician and not to the measuring device. On average the AOPB was very similar to the "basal'' BP but with wide variations in the individual patients. Conclusions: The variables associated with such a different behavior of AOBP are being investigated.
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Papers by Ioana Mozos