Carotid Artery Stiffness and Diastolic Function in Subjects without Known Cardiovascular Disease

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between carotid artery stiffness and diastolic function in a cohort of subjects without known cardiovascular risk factors and/or overt cardiovascular disease. Methods Ninety-two healthy subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiographic Doppler and carotid echo-tracking studies. Measurements of local arterial stiffness were obtained at left common carotid artery level; stiffness parameter (β), and pressure-strain elasticity modulus (Ep) were calculated as well as intima-media thickness (IMT). Results Stiffness parameter and Ep were correlated inversely with transmitral E wave ( P < .01), E/A ratio, and septal Em ( P < .01) and positively with A wave ( P < .001). IMT was also associated with A wave, E/A ratio, Em, and Am but not with E wave. No association was found between IMT, β, and Ep. The correlation between arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function remained significant after multivariate adjustment for age, sex, pulse pressure, and body mass index, but not with IMT. Conclusions In healthy subjects, changes in central carotid stiffness are in line with left ventricular diastolic function independently of age, sex, pulse pressure, and body mass index.