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Factors affecting the structure and elasticity of thoracic aorta
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Abstract
Material and methods The study population consisted of 102 patients (26 women) aged 57 ± 10 years. Information of risk factors of atherosclerosis was obtained by interview. All patients underwent TEE for other reasons, examination was completed by imaging of the thoracic aorta.
Results Aortic diameter, the intima-media thickness and distensibility indices were measured. Diameter and thickness of thoracic aorta were positively correlated with age (r = 0.22, p = 0.03; r = 0.27 p = 0.005 respectively). Young’s modulus and B modulus were also related to age (r = 0.42, p < 0.0001; r = 0.37, p = 0.0002 respectively). Hypertensive subjects had higher wall thickness (0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.13 ± 0.04, p < 0.05). Advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta was related to higher stiffness of the aorta.
Conclusion Aortic elasticity is related mostly to age and atherosclerosis.
Abstract
Material and methods The study population consisted of 102 patients (26 women) aged 57 ± 10 years. Information of risk factors of atherosclerosis was obtained by interview. All patients underwent TEE for other reasons, examination was completed by imaging of the thoracic aorta.
Results Aortic diameter, the intima-media thickness and distensibility indices were measured. Diameter and thickness of thoracic aorta were positively correlated with age (r = 0.22, p = 0.03; r = 0.27 p = 0.005 respectively). Young’s modulus and B modulus were also related to age (r = 0.42, p < 0.0001; r = 0.37, p = 0.0002 respectively). Hypertensive subjects had higher wall thickness (0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.13 ± 0.04, p < 0.05). Advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta was related to higher stiffness of the aorta.
Conclusion Aortic elasticity is related mostly to age and atherosclerosis.
Keywords
aorta; transesophageal echocardiography; atherosclerosis; elasticity; age; hypertension
About this articleTitle
Factors affecting the structure and elasticity of thoracic aorta
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original paper
Pages
9-14
Published online
2004-01-23
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940
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1268
Bibliographic record
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2004;8(1):9-14.
Keywords
aorta
transesophageal echocardiography
atherosclerosis
elasticity
age
hypertension
Authors
Anna Szulczyk
Lech Leszczyński
Cezary Sosnowski
Marek Rewicki
Ilona Kowalik
Tomasz Pasierski