The impact of hypertension on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and arterial stiffness in the elderly: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: To study the prevalence of LVDD and arterial stiffness and the association with LVDD and/or arterial stiffness among residents with HTN, as well as determine whether aging was independently correlated with LVDD and arterial stiffness. This was a cross-sectional study, using results from the Shanghai Heart Health study, a national project in China. Methods: Using data from 2086 participants, we explored the associations of HTN and LVDD with or without arterial stiffness using brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Correlations of LVDD with or without arterial stiffness were analyzed in adjusted multivariable logistic models. Results: The proportion of subjects with LVDD was 37.5%, arterial stiffness was 47.5%, and HTN was 58.4%. LVDD in participants with arterial stiffness occurred in 55.2% and HTN in 65.9%. Pairwise comparisons showed that systolic blood pressure was significantly different and more strongly associated with HTN (68%) (P < 0.01). For subjects with normal diastolic function of normal baPWV or LVDD with increased value of baPWV, logistic multivariate regression showed that aging (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.81) and HTN (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.08–1.93) were independent correlates of LVDD with arterial stiffness. Conclusions: The prevalence of arterial stiffness increases in the early stages of LVDD. HTN and aging were independently related to LVDD with arterial stiffness among community-dwelling residents.

Keywords

• aged; arterial stiffness; diastolic function