Arterial stiffness is a recognized predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and death. It is an early indicator of arteriosclerosis and is influenced by numerous risk factors and biological processes. The lipid metabolism is crucial and standard blood lipids, non-conventional lipid markers and lipid ratios are associated with arterial stiffness. The objective of this review was to determine which lipid metabolism marker has a greater correlation with vascular aging and arterial stiffness. Triglycerides (TG) are the standard blood lipids that have the strongest associations with arterial stiffness, and are often linked to the early stages of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in patients with low LDL-C levels. Studies often show that lipid ratios perform better overall than any of the individual variables used alone. The relation between arterial stiffness and TG/HDL-C has the strongest evidence. It is the lipid profile of atherogenic dyslipidemia that is found in several chronic cardio-metabolic disorders, and is considered one of the main causes of lipid-dependent residual risk, regardless of LDL-C concentration. Recently, the use of alternative lipid parameters has also been increasing. Both non-HDL and ApoB are very well correlated with arterial stiffness. Remnant cholesterol is also a promising alternative lipid parameter. The findings of this review suggest that the main focus should be on blood lipids and arterial stiffness, especially in individuals with cardio-metabolic disorders and residual cardiovascular risk.
The present study aimed to explore the relationship between electrocardiographic (ECG) and pulse wave analysis variables in patients with hypertension (HT) and high normal blood pressure (HNBP). A total of 56 consecutive, middle-aged hypertensive and HNBP patients underwent pulse wave analysis and standard 12-lead ECG. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate, intrinsic heart rate (IHR), P wave and QT interval durations were as follows: 7.26 ± 0.69 m/s, 69 ± 11 beats/minute, 91 ± 3 beats/minute, 105 ± 22 mm and 409 ± 64 mm, respectively. Significant correlations were obtained between PWV and IHR and P wave duration, respectively, between early vascular aging (EVA) and P wave and QT interval durations, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between ECG and pulse wave analysis variables but multiple regression analysis revealed only IHR as an independent predictor of PWV, even after adjusting for blood pressure variables and therapy. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed P wave duration (area under curve (AUC) = 0.731; 95% CI: 0.569–0.893) as a predictor of pathological PWV, and P wave and QT interval durations were found as sensitive and specific predictors of EVA. ECG provides information about PWV and EVA in patients with HT and HNBP. IHR and P wave durations are independent predictors of PWV, and P wave and QT interval may predict EVA.
Background/Objectives: Hypertension is strongly linked to changes in vascular function and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to examine the relationship between lipid profiles, various metabolic biomarkers, and pulse wave analysis in patients with hypertension. Methods: A group of 66 hypertensive patients, aged 64 ± 10 years, participated in pulse wave analysis utilizing an oscillometric device. Multiple lipid serum biomarkers were assessed, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL). Lipid balance index (LBI) was determined by considering TG, LDL, HDL levels, and lipid-lowering medications. Results: Notable correlations were observed for SBP, DBP, and early vascular aging (EVA) with lipid biomarkers. In addition to serum lipids, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were significantly linked to pulse wave analysis variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that only TC continued to have a significant association with DBP. Conclusions: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and lipid balance index provide information about systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as early vascular aging in hypertensive patients. LBI offers valuable vascular insights in hypertensive individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, early vascular aging, insulin resistance, and NAFLD. The connection between metabolic biomarkers and pulse wave measurements in individuals with hypertension offers a comprehensive method for the early identification of vascular injury and could enhance the prediction of major cardiovascular events.