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

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.