Correlation between aortic stiffness and left atrial volume index in hypertensive patients

Abstract

Background: Both arterial stiffness and left atrial volume index are crucial predictors of cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients. The correlation between these two factors has not been previously well established in hypertensive population. Objectives: To determine the correlation between arterial stiffness and left atrial volume index in hypertensive patients. Methods and results: The study was performed in 111 consecutive hypertensive patients (49.5% male, mean age 70.8 ± 10.3 years) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Arterial stiffness was determined by pulse wave velocity in the thoracic aorta by velocity-encoded imaging. Left atrial volume was assessed by biplane area-length method. Pulse wave velocity was significantly correlated with left atrial volume index in univariate analysis (r = 0.20, p = 0.032). In multivariate analysis, pulse wave velocity, coronary artery disease and left ventricular mass remain independent predictors (β = 1.01, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Increased arterial stiffness correlates with left atrial enlargement in hypertensive patients. The prevention of left atrial enlargement and subsequent complications by specific antihypertensive drugs with positive effect on aortic stiffness warrants further studies.

• Aortic stiffness
• left atrial volume
• hypertension
• diastolic function
• pulse wave velocity
• magnetic resonance imaging

Acknowledgements

The authors express their sincere gratitude to the Siriraj CMR technicians, nurses and other CMR staff who supported us in many aspects for this research. Special thanks to Miss. Khemajira Karaketklang, statistician, for aiding us in the study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

This study was supported by Siriraj research development fund.