Associations of Arterial Stiffness and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Aim. To study associations  between arterial stiffness and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.Material and methods. The intima-media thickness  (IMT), the presence  and  number  of atherosclerotic  plaques  (AP) were studied  using  duplex scanning. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI) were measured by applanation. The Bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip neck (HN) and proximal hip (PH) was measured using double energy x-ray absorptiometry.Results. A significant  correlation  of PWV  with  age,  duration  of menopause was  revealed,  a more pronounced correlation  was  noted  with  blood pressure (BP), maximum IMT thickness.  There was no significant  correlation  between  PWV  and BMD.  AI showed  a statistically  significant but weak negative  correlation  with  the HN  (rs=0.12, p<0.05); a more  pronounced negative  correlation  was  obtained  for BMD  (rs=0.16, p<0.01). For indicators characterizing the degree of bone mass increased,  there is a significant  correlation with age (rs=-0.4, p<0.01), weight (rs=0.4, p<0.01), Quetelet index (rs=0.3, p<0.01) and the presence of AP (rs=-0.12, p<0.05). According to the results of multivariate regression  analysis,  the most significant  predictors of arterial stiffness were indicators  reflecting  obesity and diastolic BP. The relationship  between BMD and age-adjusted vascular stiffness was not statistically significant.Conclusion. In our study, postmenopausal women have increased arterial stiffness,  suggesting a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between  bone mineral density and vascular  wall stiffness  was insignificant. To a greater extent,  arterial stiffness  depended  on age,  increased  blood pressure, and the presence of atherosclerotic  changes

Assessment of Subclinical Manifestations of Atherosclerosis of Coronary and Peripheral Arteries and Bone Strength Parameters in Women

Aim. To study associations between calcification of the coronary arteries (CA), the state of the peripheral vascular wall and bone strength indices.Material and methods. In a cross-sectional study were included 200 women at the age 45-69 y.o. who were observed on an outpatient basis and signed informed consent. A survey was conducted on the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and the risk of fractures. The intima-media thickness (IMT), the presence and number of atherosclerotic plaques (AP) were studied using duplex scanning. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI) were measured by applanation tonometry. The presence of calcium deposits in coronary vessels was determined by multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) using the Agatston index. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip neck (HN) and proximal hip (PH) was measured using double energy x-ray absorptiometry. The marker of bone resorption C-terminal telopeptide of type-1 collagen (СТх) was determined in blood serum by the β-crosslaps method.Results. There was a positive correlation between the parameters of vascular stiffness, subclinical atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels and CA calcification: AI and calcium index (r=0.25, p<0.05), IMT and calcium index (r=0.23, p<0.05), presence of AP and calcium index (r=0.26, p<0.05). The PWV increased as the calcium index increased, but the correlation remained at the trend level. Women with low bone mass had higher PWV (p<0.05), AI (p<0.01), IMT (p<0.02), CTx level (p<0.001) and a higher number of AP than those with normal BMD. CTx was inversely correlated with PWV and calcium index (p<0.05). Based on multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted for age, menopause duration, low body weight, smoking factor and total cholesterol) the independent nature of the relationship between the Agatstone index and BMD in all the measured parts of the skeleton, between AI and BMD of HN, and between IMT and BMD of HN was confirmed. The relationship between the marker of bone resorption CTx and BMD of the spine and PH remained highly reliable.Conclusion. The correlation of stiffness indices and subclinical atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries, which is a predictor of high risk of cardiovascular events, allows to suggest an important role of changes in the peripheral vascular wall in increasing cardiovascular risk. A decrease in BMD and an increase in the marker of bone resorption, associated with an increase in indices of vascular stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis and, especially, CA calcification, allows us to think about the common mechanisms of development and progression of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Therefore, early examination of women with a high cardiovascular risk, assessed by the SCORE scale, after 45 years and before menopause to detect vascular rigidity and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, and performing x-ray densitometry for individuals with changes in these indices will allow stratify the risks of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis complications and recommend preventive use of drugs that reduce vascular rigidity and increase BMD

Association of Heart Rate Variability with the Psychosocial Stress Level in Men 41-44 Years Old Living in Moscow

Aim. Research of the association of heart rate variability (HRV) with the level of psychosocial stress (PS) and other indicators of the risk of cardiovascular diseases in a sample of 41-44-year-old men living in Moscow.Material and methods. A total of 299 men aged 41-44 years were examined. The study included a clinical examination and a survey using a standard questionnaire. The categorization of risk factors (RF) for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was carried out in accordance with generally accepted criteria The psychosocial stress was assessed using the Reeder scale. Depending on the psychosocial stress level, all surveyed men were divided into 3 groups by terciles: group 1 (3,28-4,0 points) – mild stress, group 2 (2,71-3,14) – moderate stress, group 3 (1,28-2,57) – severe stress. The analysis of HRV was performed on the basis of a short recording of an electrocardiogram using the original software package.Results. Nonparametric ANOVA showed that the mean [M (95% CI)] values of the HRV time domain (SDNN, rMSSD and the state of regulatory reserves) were lower in the group of men with high PS compared with the group with low PS [25.3 ms (20.9-29.7) versus 40.5 ms (30.7-50.3), p=0.007; 29.5 ms (24.6-34.3) versus 49.5 ms (36.7-62.3), p=0.030; and 46.7 (44.7-48.6) versus 49.7 (48.1-51.4), p=0.019; respectively]. On the contrary, the mean values [M (95% CI)] of the integral indicators of HRV (SI and IVR) were higher in the group of men with high PS [635.8 c.u. (556.2-715.4) versus 488.9 (423.8-554.1), p=0.005; 1172.6 (1045.1-1300.1) versus 904.7 (790.0-1019.4), p=0.003; respectively]. The results of correlation and multiple regression analysis confirmed that these HRV indicators are statistically significantly associated not only with PS, but also with other indicators (age, waist / hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure). However, their predictive value turned out to be low, and the proportion of the explained variance of HRV indices ranged from 2.5 to 13.1%.Conclusion. The weakening of the autonomous regulation of the heart rate with a decrease in the activity of the parasympathetic link, the activation of the central circuit of regulation with the prevalence of sympathetic influences, a decrease in the functional reserves of the heart rate regulation system are associated with an increase in the level of PS and other indicators of the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Association of smoking with indicators of the structure and function of left ventricle of the heart in middle-aged men

Aim. Evaluation of the association of smoking (status, intensity and duration) with indicators of the structure and function of the left ventricle of the heart in a sample of middle-aged men.Material and methods. This study is part of a 32-year prospective cohort observation of men from childhood (11-12 years). 301 (30.0%) representatives of the original population sample aged 41-44 years were included in the study. The examination included a survey on intensity of smoking, anthropometry, measuring blood pressure, pulse rate, echocardiography, and blood lipid analysis.Results. 301 men aged 41-44 included 92 (30.6%) men who had never smoked, 73 (24.3%) men smoked in the past and 136 (45.2%) men currently smoke. 75% of current smokers started smoking before age 19, of which 32.3% started smoking before age 15. The duration of smoking cessation among former smokers was 14.4 (12.5; 16.2) years. The average duration of smoking [average (95% confidence interval)] among former smokers was 14.4 (12.5; 16.2), for current smokers – 25.3 (24.6; 26.0) years. Current smoking was statistically significantly associated with higher mean values of the left ventricular myocardium mass (LVMM), the left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMMI), the end-systolic and end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness (IVSTs/IVSTd), the end-systolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), and the intensity and duration of current smoking were associated with higher values of the relative wall thickness of the left ventricle, the end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness, the end-systolic interventricular septum thickness, and with low values of the left ventricular stroke volume index (LV SVI). Multiple regression analysis showed that current smoking has an independent effect on the left ventricular myocardium mass, the left ventricular myocardial mass index and the end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness, and the duration and intensity of smoking has an effect on the index of the left ventricular stroke volume index.Conclusion. Current smoking, duration and intensity in middle-aged men is associated with unfavorable changes in indicators of the structure and function of the left ventricle of the heart. Efforts for primary prevention of smoking should begin as early as childhood and continue into adolescence and young adulthood

Association of Smoking with Indicators of the Structure and Function of Blood Vessels in Middle-aged Men

Aim. To study the association of smoking with indicators of the structure and function of blood vessels in a sample of middle-aged men.Material and methods. This study is part of a 32-year prospective cohort observation of males starting in childhood (11-12 years). The study included 301 (30.0%) representatives of the original population sample aged 41-44 years. The examination included a survey on a standard questionnaire with an assessment of the status and intensity of smoking, of anthropometric indicators, blood pressure (BP), and determination of the blood lipid spectrum. The stiffness of the arterial wall and central pressure were measured by the method of applanation tonometry. The carotid intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (C-IMT) was estimated by the method of ultrasonic duplex scanning of the main vessels of the neck.Results. Of the 301 men examined, aged 41-44 years, 92 (30.6%) people never smoked, 73 (24.3%) smoked in the past and 136 (45.2%) people currently smoke. Former smokers were divided by the intensity of smoking in the past as follows: less than 20 cigarettes/day were smoked by 41 (56.0%) people, and ≥20 cigarettes/day - 32 (44.0%) people. Among current smokers, less than 20 cigarettes/day were smoked by 63 (46.0%) people, and ≥20 cigarettes - 73 (54.0%) people. Current smokers have a statistically significantly higher level of triglycerides and lower cholesterol of high density lipoproteins in the blood, augmentation index (AIx), augmentation blood pressure and C-IMT thicker than non-smokers. The thickness of the C-IMT and AIx was statistically significantly greater among current smokers who smoked 20 or more cigarettes daily. Men who smoked in the past had significantly greater body weight, waist circumference and pulse wave velocity. 12.4% of AIx variability was attributable to current smoking combined with variability in alcohol consumption, blood glucose, and heart rate. The body mass index (BMI) and ethanol consumption are independent determinants of peripheral and central systolic pressure, and account for 17.8% and 18.6% of their variance, respectively. The combined contribution of current smoking, age, BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma glucose to the thickness variability of C-IMT was 13.7%. Among men with a smoking duration in the past >10 years, the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and arterial stiffness indicators - AIx, pulse pressure amplification were higher compared to peers with a shorter smoking duration.Conclusion. Current smoking is associated with atherogenic changes in the blood lipid spectrum, impaired structure and function of the main arteries. Moreover, the severity of structural and functional disorders of the arteries is associated with the intensity of current smoking. If you give up smoking, there is a potential possibility of reversibility of these vascular disorders

ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN YOUNG MEN (41-44 YEARS)

Aim. To study the relationship of individual cardiovascular risk factors with arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in young men.Material and methods. The study is part of a 32-year prospective cohort monitoring of males, beginning with childhood (11-12 years). The study-included 303 (30.1%) representatives of the initial population sample aged 41-44 who underwent an outpatient examination at the State Research-Center for Preventive Medicine in 2015-2016. The examination included a survey by a standard questionnaire, measurement of anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), pulse counting. Biochemical assays were carried out according to standard laboratory procedures. Applanation tonometry-was used to measure stiffness of the arterial wall. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis signs were determined in both left and right carotid arteries by ultrasound scanning.Results. Arterial stiffness and central pressure were significantly higher in the group with hypertension (HT). Risk of HT development depended on HT-presence in mother and did not depend on HT in father. HT was associated with obesity (79.4% vs 44.3%; p<0.001), especially of abdominal type and elevated triglycerides (1.3±0.9 vs 1.8±1.1 mmol/l; p<0.05), this indirectly reflected nutritional disorder and development of metabolic syndrome. The analysis of arterial stiffness parameters showed positive correlation with mean systolic (r=0.256) and diastolic (r=0.228) BP in the brachial artery and also with heart rate (r=0.133). A statistically significant positive correlation of central pressure in the aorta and pulse BP with indices of arterial-stiffness was noted. When comparing arterial stiffness and duplex scans, a correlation of mean IMT with the augmentation index (r=0.131) and augmentation BP (r=0.125) was obtained, but no correlation between IMT and pulse wave velocity was found. Correlation of vascular rigidity with total cholesterol level was also noted (r=0.121).Conclusion. The arterial stiffness was closely related to HT and already developed in early stages, in a fairly young age. Arterial stiffness in men was not associated with dyslipidemia and diabetes presence. Interrelation of arterial stiffness and degree of early atherosclerotic vascular lesions was ambiguous

ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN YOUNG MEN (41-44 YEARS)

Aim. To study the relationship of individual cardiovascular risk factors with arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in young men.Material and methods. The study is part of a 32-year prospective cohort monitoring of males, beginning with childhood (11-12 years). The study-included 303 (30.1%) representatives of the initial population sample aged 41-44 who underwent an outpatient examination at the State Research-Center for Preventive Medicine in 2015-2016. The examination included a survey by a standard questionnaire, measurement of anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), pulse counting. Biochemical assays were carried out according to standard laboratory procedures. Applanation tonometry-was used to measure stiffness of the arterial wall. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis signs were determined in both left and right carotid arteries by ultrasound scanning.Results. Arterial stiffness and central pressure were significantly higher in the group with hypertension (HT). Risk of HT development depended on HT-presence in mother and did not depend on HT in father. HT was associated with obesity (79.4% vs 44.3%; p<0.001), especially of abdominal type and elevated triglycerides (1.3±0.9 vs 1.8±1.1 mmol/l; p<0.05), this indirectly reflected nutritional disorder and development of metabolic syndrome. The analysis of arterial stiffness parameters showed positive correlation with mean systolic (r=0.256) and diastolic (r=0.228) BP in the brachial artery and also with heart rate (r=0.133). A statistically significant positive correlation of central pressure in the aorta and pulse BP with indices of arterial-stiffness was noted. When comparing arterial stiffness and duplex scans, a correlation of mean IMT with the augmentation index (r=0.131) and augmentation BP (r=0.125) was obtained, but no correlation between IMT and pulse wave velocity was found. Correlation of vascular rigidity with total cholesterol level was also noted (r=0.121).Conclusion. The arterial stiffness was closely related to HT and already developed in early stages, in a fairly young age. Arterial stiffness in men was not associated with dyslipidemia and diabetes presence. Interrelation of arterial stiffness and degree of early atherosclerotic vascular lesions was ambiguous

Relationship between parameters of subclinical atherosclerosis and osteoporosis and their prognostic significance: data from the prospective studies

We analyzed modern publications on the relationship between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and osteoporosis and, in particular, their preclinical manifestations. Most of the papers on this issue are observational, cross-sectional, or study associations of preclinical markers with disease risk or outcomes. However, the results of these studies do not always coincide and are contradictory. Therefore, it is not possible to define cause-effect relationship between vascular changes and decreased bone mass, as well as persistence of its relationship. Due to the difficulties in management of prospective studies, in the last decade only a few studies have appeared with long-term follow-up of patients without symptoms with subsequent assessment of preclinical manifestations. A strong relationship has been demonstrated between intima-media thickness, plaque presence, coronary artery calcification and low bone density of the spine and proximal femur, as well as between vascular stiffness (pulse wave velocity) and proximal femur bone density. The data obtained indicate combined disorders of vascular wall morphology and bone tissue, not only in postmenopausal women, but also in elderly men, and can be used to justify indications for screening for decreased bone density in patients with CVD. At the same time, larger-scale prospective studies to explore associations between markers of preclinical manifestations of CVD and decreased bone mass, including in the Russian population, are required

Influence of Childhood and Adulthood Obesity on Arterial Stiffnes and Central Blood Pressure in Men

Aim. To study the effect of obesity in childhood and adulthood on the indices of arterial stiffness, central aortic pressure in the population sample of men 42 to 43 years.Methods. The study is part of a 32-year prospective cohort monitoring of males, beginning with childhood (11-12 years). 303 (30.1%) of the representatives of the initial population sample (n=1005) were examined after 32 years. 290 people are included into the analysis. The average age of men at the time of the examination was 42.9 years. The study included a survey on a standard questionnaire, measurement of anthropometric indicators, blood pressure (BP), pulse counting. The stiffness of the arterial wall and central pressure was measured by the applanation tonometry.Results. Normal body weight was found in 95 of 290 men (32.8%) at the age of 43 years, weight gain – in 111 (38.3%) and obesity – in 84 (28.9%). Men with obesity and overweight in adulthood had a statistically significant increase in body weight as early as in childhood. Central aortic BP (CBP), as a surrogate vascular rigidity index, was statistically significantly higher in obesity and overweight groups. A statistically significant positive relationship between the indicators characterizing childhood obesity (the Quetelet index, the thickness of skin folds), and the level of blood pressure in childhood was found in the correlation analysis. A positive correlation between the thickness of skin folds in childhood with CBP in adulthood, as well as a weak positive relationship between peripheral systolic BP (pSBP) in childhood and central systolic BP (cSBP) in adulthood have been found. From potential predictors evaluated at the age of 12 years and included in the regression model only the thickness of the skin fold under the scapulaaffected cSBP at the age of 43. The increase in the thickness of skin fold under the scapula in childhood at1 mmis associated with an increase in сSBP by0.4 mmHg in the adult state. Among the predictors evaluated in adulthood, pSBP, peripheral diastolic BP (pDBP), and the Quetelet index have a statistically significant effect on the level of cSBP. The thickness of the skin fold on the abdomen at the age of 12 influenced central diastolic BP (cDBP) level at the age of43. Astatistically significant effect on the cDBP level was provided by pDBP, obesity rates among potential predictors evaluated in adulthood.Conclusion. Central aortic pressure in adulthood is maximally dependent on increased peripheral blood pressure and obesity. Only obesity was important among children's predictors (12 years of age)

Association of Family History of Cardiovascular Diseases in Boys Aged 12-13 Years with Structural and Functional Indicators of the Left Ventricle and Arterial Stiffness in the Age of 43-46 Years (Results of 32-Year Prospective Follow-up)

Aim. To evaluate the association of Family History (FH) of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in boys aged 12-13 years with the development of structural and functional changes in the left ventricle and stiffness of the main arteries in adulthood (43-46 years old) according to prospective study.Material and methods. For the initial examination, boys were selected whose parents suffered from CVD at a young age or died prematurely from them (risk group). The comparison group was formed from a population sample of boys of a similar age without FH of CVD. The examination included a survey on a standard questionnaire, measurement of anthropometric indicators, blood pressure (BP), pulse counting, determination of the blood lipid spectrum. The intima-media complex thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries was measured; echocardiography and applanation tonometry were performed.Results. The group with FH of CVD significantly (p<0.05) differed in childhood in terms of the body mass index (BMI) (18.8 vs 17.6 kg/m2), systolic BP (SBP) (117 vs 107 mm Hg), diastolic BP (DBP) (67 vs 56 mm Hg), average BP (81.8 vs 72.7 mm Hg) and triglycerides (0.79 vs 0.58 mmol/L). In adulthood, increased total cholesterol (TC) level (6.3 vs 5.8 mmol/L; p=0.036) and other indicators of atherogenesis were revealed in the risk group. The risk of fatal outcomes from CVD in the next 10 years in men with a family history of CVD in childhood was significantly higher compared to the control group (1.94 vs. 1.28; p <0.001). The main contribution to the total risk of fatal CVD in middle-aged men was made by TC and smoking. In the group with FH of CVD, higher stiffness of the arteries in adulthood was observed. There were found significant (p=0.002) intergroup differences in the IMT (0.73 vs 0.63 mm). A statistically significant positive relationship between BMI and some structural and functional indicators of the left ventricle and stiffness indicators of the main arteries was revealed. DBP and mean BP in childhood are associated with arterial stiffness in adulthood according to the parameters of central SBP and central DBP. BMI in boys is the most significant predictor for most structural and functional indicators of LV myocardial hypertrophy, in particular, LV myocardial mass (private R2=0.140) and interventricular septum thickness (R2=0.164; p=0.001), and arterial stiffness by central DBP parameter (R2=0.043; p=0.024) in adulthood. The risk of increased IMT development in males in adulthood with FH of CVD is 6.1 times higher than that of their peers without FH.Conclusion. FH of CVD revealed in childhood in males is a risk factor for the development of early atherosclerosis and, due to its ease of detection, can be used as one of the criteria for the formation of high-risk groups for the purpose of primary prevention