Central aortic stiffness is increased in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an important risk factor for the development of heart failure
with preserved ejection fraction. Although heart failure in hypertensive patients is usually
ascribed to intrinsic myocardial abnormalities, noncardiac factors may contribute. METHODS
AND RESULTS: Using arterial tonometry and Doppler echocardiography, we assessed
arterial stiffness and cardiac diastolic function in 53 individuals with ejection fraction>= 0.50,
including 23 with hypertension but no heart failure, 16 with hypertension and heart failure …
with preserved ejection fraction. Although heart failure in hypertensive patients is usually
ascribed to intrinsic myocardial abnormalities, noncardiac factors may contribute. METHODS
AND RESULTS: Using arterial tonometry and Doppler echocardiography, we assessed
arterial stiffness and cardiac diastolic function in 53 individuals with ejection fraction>= 0.50,
including 23 with hypertension but no heart failure, 16 with hypertension and heart failure …
