Yelda Basaran

The importance of papillary muscle dyssynchrony in predicting the severity of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: a two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography study

AIMSnIn our study, we investigated the impact of papillary muscle systolic dyssynchrony (DYS-PAP) and the configuration of mitral leaflets in the prediction of significant functional mitral regurgitation (MR) with two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking strain analysis in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with sinus rhythm.nnnMETHODSnThirty-six non-ischaemic DCM patients (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) with sinus rhythm were recruited. The quantification of functional MR was performed using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. The configuration of mitral leaflets [mitral annulus, coaptation height (CH), and tethering distances for papillary muscles] was evaluated in the parasternal long-axis and apical four-chamber views. The assessment of DYS-PAP was performed by applying 2D speckle-tracking imaging to the apical four-chamber view for anterolateral papillary muscle and to the apical long-axis view for posteromedial papillary muscle.nnnRESULTSnFifteen (41.6%) patients had mild MR and 21 (58.3%) patients had moderate or moderate-to-severe MR. Patients with higher levels of MR had larger mitral annulus size (P = 0.02), tethering-AL (P = 0.04), higher MR volume (P < 0.0001), effective regurgitant orifice area (P < 0.0001), and DYS-PAP (P < 0.0001) values, but lower CH (P = 0.001), global longitudinal (P = 0.005), radial (P = 0.03), and circumferential strain (P = 0.01) than those with mild MR. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the utility of DYS-PAP to predict moderate or moderate-to-severe functional MR. A DYS-PAP value >30 ms predicted moderate-to-severe MR with 85% sensitivity and 87% specificity [area under the curve: 0.897, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.781-0.999, P < 0.0001]. Logistic regression analysis revealed that DYS-PAP (odds ratio: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.22-47.7, P = 0.037) was the only independent predictor of moderate or moderate-to-severe functional MR.nnnCONCLUSIONnDYS-PAP is correlated with functional MR in non-ischaemic DCM patients with sinus rhythm. A DYS-PAP cut-off value of 30 ms is a useful tool to identify patients with moderate-to-severe functional MR.

Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay by tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUNDnAtrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) calculated from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography can be an alternative to invasive electrophysiologic studies. We investigated whether the AEMD obtained from TDI is prolonged in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).nnnMETHODSnFifty-five patients with nonischemic DCM (23 men/32 women; age, 43.9 +/- 14.8 years) and 55 controls (20 men/35 women; age, 41.3 +/- 13.4 years) were included in this study. Atrial electromechanical delay (the time interval from the onset of P wave on electrocardiogram to the beginning of late diastolic wave [Am wave] on TDI) was calculated from the lateral and septal mitral annulus, and lateral tricuspid annulus (PA lateral, PA septum, and PA tricuspid, respectively). P-wave dispersion was calculated from the 12-lead electrocardiogram.nnnRESULTSnPA lateral and PA septum duration were significantly longer in patients with nonischemic DCM than the controls (78.4 +/- 19.7 versus 53.8 +/- 6.6 and 55.2 +/- 16.3 versus 40.5 +/- 6.2, P < .0001 for both; respectively). However, PA tricuspid duration was statistically similar between the 2 groups (36.4 +/- 10.9 versus 37.2 +/- 5.7, P > or = .05). P-wave dispersion was significantly higher in nonischemic DCM patients than the controls (53.0 +/- 14.4 versus 37.5 +/- 5.5, P < .0001). PA lateral was correlated with the left atrial maximal volume (r = 0.64, P < .0001), P-wave dispersion (r = 0.65, P < .0001), and log B-type natriuretic peptide (NT proBNP) (r = 0.63, P < .0001). There was a statistically significant and negative correlation between the PA lateral and left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.63, P < .0001) and E-wave deceleration time (r = -0.34, P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that left atrial maximal volume and log NT proBNP were the independent predictors of PA lateral (P < .0001 and P = .003, respectively).nnnCONCLUSIONnThe AEMD was significantly prolonged in patients with nonischemic DCM. Left atrial enlargement and log NT proBNP were the independent predictors of this prolongation.

Right ventricular and atrial functions in systemic sclerosis patients without pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic connective tissue disease and cardiac involvement is one of the most important causes of death. Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is a poor prognostic finding in SSc patients. Assessment of RV function has some difficulties because of its crescent shape and extensive trabeculations. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is an angle-independent quantitative technique to evaluate myocardial function. The aim of this study was to assess the RV and right atrial (RA) functions of SSc patients without pulmonary hypertension by using 2D STE.Patients and methodsA total of 40 patients with SSc (mean age 48.5u2009±u200911.4 years, 28 female) and 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 45.9u2009±u20097.6 years, 21 female) were included in the study. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography for evaluation of RV and RA functions with 2D STE.ResultsAlthough left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and RA measurements were similar in both groups, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and maximum systolic myocardial velocity (S’) were decreased in SSc patients. The RV free wall global longitudinal strain (GLS) of SSc patients was lower than the controls (−u200918.5u2009±u20094.9u2009% vs. −u200921.8u2009±u20092.4u2009%, pu2009<u20090.001) and the RA reservoir and conduit functions were also decreased in SSc patients compared with controls (34.4u2009±u20099.9u2009% vs. 39.7u2009±u200911.2u2009%, pu2009=u20090.027 and 15.0u2009±u20095.7u2009% vs. 18.7u2009±u20096.4u2009%, pu2009=u20090.009, respectively). Disease duration was inversely correlated with RVGLS and TAPSE (r: −u20090.416, pu2009=u20090.018 and r: −u20090.383, pu2009=u20090.031, respectively).ConclusionThe use of 2D STE can be helpful in the detection of impairment in RV and RA functions in SSc patients with normal PAP.ZusammenfassungHintergrundDie systemische Sklerose (SSc) ist eine systemische Bindegewebserkrankung, und die Herzbeteiligung stellt eine der Haupttodesursachen dar. Eine rechtsventrikuläre (RV) systolische Funktionseinschränkung ist ein Befund, der bei SSc-Patienten für eine schlechte Prognose steht. Die Untersuchung der RV-Funktion ist aufgrund der Halbmondform und ausgedehnter Trabekulierungen des RV schwierig. Die zweidimensionale (2-D-)Speckle-Tracking-Echokardiographie (STE) ist eine winkelunabhänigige quantitative Untersuchungstechnik für die Myokardfunktion. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Funktion des RV und des rechten Vorhofs (RA) bei SSc-Patienten ohne pulmonale Hypertonie mittels 2-D-STE zu ermitteln.Patienten und MethodenIn die Studie wurden 40 Patienten mit SSc (Durchschnittsalter: 48,5u2009±u200911,4 Jahre, 28 w) und 40 gesunde Kontrollen (Durchschnittsalter: 45,9u2009±u20097,6 Jahre, 21 w) aufgenommen. Bei allen Teilnehmern wurden die RV- und RA-Funktion mittels transthorakaler Echokardiographie in Kombination mit 2-D-STE untersucht.ErgebnisseDie linksventrikuläre systolische und diastolische Funktion, der systolische Pulmonalarteriendruck (PAP) und die RA-Messungen waren in beiden Gruppen zwar ähnlich, aber die systolische Exkursion auf der Ebene des Trikuspidalrings (TAPSE) und die maximale systolische Myokardgeschwindigkeit (S‘) waren bei SSc-Patienten vermindert. Der globale longitudinale Strain (GLS) der freien RV-Wand war bei SSc-Patienten geringer als bei den Kontrollen (−u200918,5u2009±u20094,9u2009% vs. −u200921,8u2009±u20092,4u2009%; pu2009<u20090,001) und auch die Reservoir- und Conduitfunktion war bei den SSc-Patienten gegenüber den Kontrollen vermindert (34,4u2009±u20099,9u2009% vs. 39,7u2009±u200911,2u2009%; pu2009=u20090,027 bzw. 15,0u2009±u20095,7u2009% vs. 18,7u2009±u20096,4u2009%; pu2009=u20090,009). Die Krankheitsdauer stand in inverser Korrelation mit dem RV-GLS und TAPSE (r −u20090,416; pu2009=u20090,018 bzw. r −u20090,383; pu2009=u20090,031).SchlussfolgerungDer Einsatz der 2-D-STE könnte zur Erkennung einer Einschränkung der RV- und RA-Funktion bei SSc-Patienten mit normalem PAP von Nutzen sein.

Right ventricular and atrial functions in systemic sclerosis patients without pulmonary hypertension. Speckle-tracking echocardiographic study.

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic connective tissue disease and cardiac involvement is one of the most important causes of death. Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is a poor prognostic finding in SSc patients. Assessment of RV function has some difficulties because of its crescent shape and extensive trabeculations. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is an angle-independent quantitative technique to evaluate myocardial function. The aim of this study was to assess the RV and right atrial (RA) functions of SSc patients without pulmonary hypertension by using 2D STE.Patients and methodsA total of 40 patients with SSc (mean age 48.5u2009±u200911.4 years, 28 female) and 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 45.9u2009±u20097.6 years, 21 female) were included in the study. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography for evaluation of RV and RA functions with 2D STE.ResultsAlthough left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and RA measurements were similar in both groups, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and maximum systolic myocardial velocity (S’) were decreased in SSc patients. The RV free wall global longitudinal strain (GLS) of SSc patients was lower than the controls (−u200918.5u2009±u20094.9u2009% vs. −u200921.8u2009±u20092.4u2009%, pu2009<u20090.001) and the RA reservoir and conduit functions were also decreased in SSc patients compared with controls (34.4u2009±u20099.9u2009% vs. 39.7u2009±u200911.2u2009%, pu2009=u20090.027 and 15.0u2009±u20095.7u2009% vs. 18.7u2009±u20096.4u2009%, pu2009=u20090.009, respectively). Disease duration was inversely correlated with RVGLS and TAPSE (r: −u20090.416, pu2009=u20090.018 and r: −u20090.383, pu2009=u20090.031, respectively).ConclusionThe use of 2D STE can be helpful in the detection of impairment in RV and RA functions in SSc patients with normal PAP.ZusammenfassungHintergrundDie systemische Sklerose (SSc) ist eine systemische Bindegewebserkrankung, und die Herzbeteiligung stellt eine der Haupttodesursachen dar. Eine rechtsventrikuläre (RV) systolische Funktionseinschränkung ist ein Befund, der bei SSc-Patienten für eine schlechte Prognose steht. Die Untersuchung der RV-Funktion ist aufgrund der Halbmondform und ausgedehnter Trabekulierungen des RV schwierig. Die zweidimensionale (2-D-)Speckle-Tracking-Echokardiographie (STE) ist eine winkelunabhänigige quantitative Untersuchungstechnik für die Myokardfunktion. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Funktion des RV und des rechten Vorhofs (RA) bei SSc-Patienten ohne pulmonale Hypertonie mittels 2-D-STE zu ermitteln.Patienten und MethodenIn die Studie wurden 40 Patienten mit SSc (Durchschnittsalter: 48,5u2009±u200911,4 Jahre, 28 w) und 40 gesunde Kontrollen (Durchschnittsalter: 45,9u2009±u20097,6 Jahre, 21 w) aufgenommen. Bei allen Teilnehmern wurden die RV- und RA-Funktion mittels transthorakaler Echokardiographie in Kombination mit 2-D-STE untersucht.ErgebnisseDie linksventrikuläre systolische und diastolische Funktion, der systolische Pulmonalarteriendruck (PAP) und die RA-Messungen waren in beiden Gruppen zwar ähnlich, aber die systolische Exkursion auf der Ebene des Trikuspidalrings (TAPSE) und die maximale systolische Myokardgeschwindigkeit (S‘) waren bei SSc-Patienten vermindert. Der globale longitudinale Strain (GLS) der freien RV-Wand war bei SSc-Patienten geringer als bei den Kontrollen (−u200918,5u2009±u20094,9u2009% vs. −u200921,8u2009±u20092,4u2009%; pu2009<u20090,001) und auch die Reservoir- und Conduitfunktion war bei den SSc-Patienten gegenüber den Kontrollen vermindert (34,4u2009±u20099,9u2009% vs. 39,7u2009±u200911,2u2009%; pu2009=u20090,027 bzw. 15,0u2009±u20095,7u2009% vs. 18,7u2009±u20096,4u2009%; pu2009=u20090,009). Die Krankheitsdauer stand in inverser Korrelation mit dem RV-GLS und TAPSE (r −u20090,416; pu2009=u20090,018 bzw. r −u20090,383; pu2009=u20090,031).SchlussfolgerungDer Einsatz der 2-D-STE könnte zur Erkennung einer Einschränkung der RV- und RA-Funktion bei SSc-Patienten mit normalem PAP von Nutzen sein.

Effect of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on myocardial deformation parameters and epicardial fat thickness in patients free of cardiovascular risk

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with impaired myocardial deformation parameters and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Increased epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is also associated with increased risk of CVD. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on myocardial deformation parameters and EFT. The study population consisted of 50 patients with vitamin D deficiency who were free of cardiovascular risk (mean age: 42.6xa0±xa08.9xa0years, 37 female). Patients were treated with oral administration of vitamin D3. Myocardial deformation parameters and EFT were evaluated before and after treatment of those patients. Vitamin D levels significantly increased after treatment (30.5xa0±xa010.5 vs. 9.9xa0±xa05.3xa0nmol/l, pxa0<xa00.001). There was no significant difference between conventional echocardiographic parameters before and after treatment. Baseline EFT was significantly higher than post-treatment measurements (35.2xa0±xa08.0 vs. 27.5xa0±xa05.6xa0mm, pxa0<xa00.001). Post-treatment myocardial deformation parameters were also significantly higher than baseline measurements. Baseline vitamin D levels correlated with baseline EFT and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS). Post-treatment vitamin D levels also correlated with post-treatment EFT, body mass index, and LV-GLS. Baseline vitamin D level was an independent predictor of baseline LV-GLS (pxa0=xa00.002). Patients with impaired LV-GLS had significantly lower vitamin D levels than patients with normal LV-GLS (6.6xa0±xa03.8 vs. 11.0xa0±xa05.3xa0nmol/l, pxa0=xa00.005). Baseline vitamin D level was also an independent predictor of baseline impaired LV-GLS (pxa0=xa00.010). Vitamin D supplementation has beneficial effects on myocardial deformation parameters and EFT. Moreover, baseline vitamin D levels are a predictor of impaired LV-GLS.

Polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensinogen gene in patients with atrial fibrillation

Activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between AF and polymorphisms in RAS. One hundred and fifty patients with AF, 100 patients with no documented episode of AF and 100 healthy subjects were consecutively recruited into the study. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, and the M235T, A-20C, and G-6A polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene were genotyped. Patients with AF had significantly lower frequency of II genotype of ACE I/D and higher frequency of angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism T allele and TT genotype and G-6A polymorphism G allele and GG genotype compared with the controls. AF patients had significantly larger left atrium, higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and higher frequency of significant valvular pathology. ACE I/D polymorphism II genotype, angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism TT genotype and G allele and GG genotype of angiotensinogen G-6A polymorphism were still independently associated with AF when adjusted for left atrium, LVMI and presence of significant valvular pathology. Genetic predisposition might be underlying the prevalence of acquired AF. Patients with a specific genetic variation in the RAS genes may be more liable to develop AF.

Impact of systemic sclerosis on electromechanical characteristics of the heart.

Primary myocardial involvement is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We evaluated the atrial and ventricular electromechanical characteristics by using tissue Doppler echocardiography in SSc patients with subclinical cardiac involvement. Twenty-seven consecutive patients (24 women; mean age ± SD 49.9 ± 11.3 years) presenting with SSc without pulmonary arterial hypertension or symptomatic heart failure were prospectively studied. Electrocardiographic P-wave dispersion (Pd), corrected QT dispersion (QTcd), interatrial, intra-atrial, interventricular, and intraventricular electromechanical delays were analyzed by tissue Doppler echocardiography, and brain natriuretic peptide levels were measured. Results were compared with 17 healthy controls. There was no difference in conventional and tissue Doppler parameters between the two groups. However, patients with SSc had higher mean Pd (mean [±SD] 46.8 ± 15 and 36 ± 8 ms, respectively, P = 0.004) and mean interatrial electromechanical delay time (DT) (mean [±SD] 32.2 ± 9.2 and 24.7 ± 9.7 ms, respectively, P = 0.01), mean electromechanical delay time for all segments (Mean Ts) (mean [±SD] 148.8 ± 18.8 and 129.3 ± 13.4 ms, respectively, P < 0.001), and intraventricular DT (mean [±SD] 27.6 ± 12.5 and 16.2 ± 7.2 ms, respectively, P < 0.001). Intraventricular DT was the only parameter that correlated significantly with the Mean Ts. Brain natriuretic peptide levels were within normal limits in both groups; however, they were higher in patients with SSc than in controls (mean [±SD] 37.5 ± 28.5 and 23.1 ± 16.0 pg/ml, respectively, P = 0.03). The evaluation of atrial and ventricular electromechanical parameters by using tissue Doppler echocardiography seems to be useful for detection of subclinical cardiac involvement in SSc patients with normal conventional echocardiographic findings.

Effect of acute sleep deprivation on heart rate recovery in healthy young adults

BackgroundSleep deprivation (SD) is known to be associated with increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, but underlying pathophysiological mechanism has not been clearly demonstrated. Autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function, and impairment in this system is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of acute SD on autonomic regulation of cardiac function by determining heart rate recovery (HRR).MethodsTwenty-one healthy security officers and nine nurses (mean age 33.25u2009±u20098.18) were evaluated. Treadmill exercise test was applied once after a night with regular sleep and once after a night shift in hospital. The HRR was calculated as the reduction in heart rate from peak exercise to the 30th second (HRR30), 1st minute (HRR1), 2nd minute (HRR2), 3rd minute (HRR3), and 5th minute (HRR5). The change in blood pressure (BP) measurements was also determined.ResultsExercise capacity of individuals with SD was significantly lower (10.96u2009±u20091.01 vs. 11.71u2009±u20091.30 metabolic equivalent task (MET)s; pu2009=u20090.002), and peak systolic BP was significantly higher (173.8u2009±u200916.3 vs. 166.2u2009±u20099.9; pu2009=u20090.019). There was a signicant difference in HRR30 (12.74u2009±u20096.19 vs. 17.66u2009±u20095.46; pu2009=u20090.003) and HRR1 (31u2009±u20096.49 vs. 36.10u2009±u20097.78; pu2009=u20090.004). The ratio of these indices to peak HR was also significantly lower with SD (HRR%30 8.04u2009±u20094.26 vs. 10.19u2009±u20093.21; pu2009=u20090.025 and HRR%1: 18.66u2009±u20094.43 vs. 20.98u2009±u20094.72; pu2009=u20090.013). The difference in other indices of HRR was not significant.ConclusionOur findings suggest that SD blunts cardiovascular autonomic response, and consequences of this relation might be more pronounced in subjects who are exposed to sleeplessness regularly or in subjects with baseline cardiovascular disease.

Regional myocardial dysfunction assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in systemic sclerosis patients with fragmented QRS complexes

BACKGROUNDnThe aim of the study was to explore the relation between regional myocardial dysfunction and fragmented QRS (fQRS) complexes in systemic sclerosis (SSc).nnnMETHODSnFifty-three SSc patients and 26 controls were included. All subjects underwent speckle tracking echocardiography for evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function and ECG to check for fQRS complexes.nnnRESULTSnSSc patients had significantly lower LV global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain and twist compared to controls. Thirteen SSc patients had fQRS (DII, DIII, aVF leads in eleven patients and V1 to V5 leads in two patients) and they had significantly lower global longitudinal and circumferencial strain compared to SSc patients with normal QRS. The SSc patients with fQRS in DII, DIII, and aVF leads had impaired longitudinal strain and delay in time to peak longitudinal strain in inferior LV segments compared to those with normal QRS.nnnCONCLUSIONnfQRS is associated with lower strain measures in SSc patients indicating impairment in LV function.

Evaluation of arterial stiffness and hemodynamics by oscillometric method in patients with systemic sclerosis.

SummaryObjectivesArterial stiffness and its hemodynamic consequences are associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) are noninvasive markers of arterial stiffness. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic, autoimmune disease affecting mainly the small vessels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the arterial stiffness parameters and hemodynamics by oscillometric method in patients with SSc.MethodsThirty-five consecutive patients with diagnosed SSc and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Measurements of arterial stiffness were carried out by using a Mobil-O-Graph arteriograph system that detected signals from the brachial artery.ResultsWhile hemodynamic parameters were not statistically significant between SSc and control groups, heart rate was significantly higher in SSc group (84u2009±u200912 and 72u2009±u20097xa0bpm, pu2009=u20090.001). SSc patients had significantly higher AIx and PWV values compared with controls (27.9u2009±u200912.4 versus 21.0u2009±u200911.4u2009%, pu2009=u20090.019 and 6.56u2009±u20091.5 versus 5.04u2009±u20090.17xa0m/s, pu2009<u20090.001, respectively). PWV was significantly associated with SSc when adjusted by heart rate (pu2009=u20090.001, Odds ratio (OR): 17.304, 95u2009% confidence interval (CI): 3.225–92.832).ConclusionsPWV and AIx were significantly higher in patients with SSc. Measurement of arterial stiffness parameters using oscillometric method was reliable, reproducible and easy in patients with SSc.ZusammenfassungZielDie Steifheit der Arterien und ihre hämodynamische Konsequenz sind mit ungünstigen kardiovaskulären Ereignissen verbunden. Pulswellengeschwindigkeit und Augmentation Index sind nicht invasive Marker der arteriellen Steife. Die systemische Sklerose (SSc) ist eine systemische autoimmunologisch bedingte Erkrankung, die vor allem die kleinen Gefäße befällt. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Parameter der arteriellen Steife und die Hämodynamik von Patienten mit SSc durch oszillometrische Methoden zu erheben.Methoden35 konsekutive Patienten mit diagnostizierter SSc und 35 in Bezug auf Alter und Geschlecht idente gesunde Kontrollen wurden in die Studie aufgenommen. Die Messung der arteriellen Steife wurde mittels eines Mobil-O-Graph arteriographischen Systems, das Signale über der Arteria brachialis registriert, durchgeführt.ErgebnisseWährend sich die hämodynamischen Parameter der Patienten mit SSc von denen der Kontrolle statistisch nicht unterschieden, war die Herzfrequenz der SSc Patienten signifikant höher (84u2009±u200912 vs 72u2009±u20097xa0Schläge/min, pu2009=u20090,001). Der Augmentation Index der SSc Gruppe und die Pulswellengeschwindigkeit Werte waren signifikant höher als bei den Kontrollen (27,9u2009±u200912,4 versus 21,0u2009±u200911,4u2009%, pu2009=u20090,019 and 6,56u2009±u20091,5 versus 5,04u2009±u20090,17xa0m/s, pu2009<u20090.001, respektive). Die Pulswellengeschwindigkeit war mit der SSc nach Berücksichtigung der Herzfrequenz signifikant assoziiert (pu2009=u20090,001, Odds Ratio (OR): 17,304, 95u2009% Konfidenz Intervall (CI): 3,225–92,832).SchlussfolgerungenDie Pulswellengeschwindigkeit und der Augmentation Index waren bei Patienten mit SSc signifikant höher. Die Messung der Parameter der arteriellen Steife durch oszillometrische Methoden war bei Patienten mit SSc einfach, verlässlich und reproduzierbar.