Relations between aortic stiffness and left ventricular structure and function in older participants in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility--Reykjavik Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Left ventricular (LV) contraction displaces the aortic annulus and produces a force that stretches the ascending aorta. We hypothesized that aortic stiffening increases this previously ignored component of LV load and may contribute to hypertrophy. Conversely, aortic stretch-related work represents stored energy that may facilitate early diastolic filling.

Methods and results

We performed MRI of the aorta and LV in 347 participants (72-91 years old, 189 women) in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study to examine relations of aortic stretch with LV structure and function. Aortic stiffness was evaluated as the product of Young's modulus and aortic wall thickness. Force was computed from Young's modulus and longitudinal aortic strain; work was the i

SUBMITTER: Bell V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4380164 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature