Central haemodynamic indexes are independent predictors of future CV events and all-cause mortality. Augmentation index predicts clinical events independently of peripheral pressures, while central PP has a marginally but not significantly (P = 0.057) better predictive ability when compared with peripheral PP.

A significant fall in wave reflections was observed after marathon race, whereas aortic stiffness was not altered. Moreover, marathon runners have increased aortic stiffness and pressures, whereas wave reflections indexes do not differ compared to controls.

background: Recent studies suggest poor sleep quality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fi brosis (IPF). However, so far, the impact of IPF-related sleep breathing disorders (SBDs) on survival has not been extensively studied. Methods: In a cohort of 31 (24 males) treatment-naïve, newly diagnosed consecutive IPF patients, we prospectively investigated the relationship of SBD parameters such as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), maximal difference in oxygen saturation between wakefulness and sleep (maxdiff SpO 2 ), and lowest sleep oxygen saturation (lowest SpO 2 ) with clinical (survival, dyspnea, daytime sleepiness), pulmonary function, submaximal (6-min walk test [6MWT]) and maximal exercise variables (cardiopulmonary exercise test [CPET]), and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Results: Sleep oxygen desaturation exceeded signifi cantly that of maximal exercise (p < 0.001). Maxdiff SpO 2 was inversely related to survival, DLCO%, and SpO 2 after 6MWT, and directly with dyspnea, AHI, and RVSP. The lowest SpO 2 was directly related to survival and to functional (TLC%, DLCO%) as well as submaximal and maximal exercise variables (6MWT

NAFLD is associated with arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Given the important independent prognostic role of these arterial indexes, these findings have important implications for increased cardiovascular risk in patients with NAFLD.

Green tea consumption has an acute beneficial effect on endothelial function, assessed with FMD of the brachial artery, in healthy individuals. This may be involved in the beneficial effect of tea on cardiovascular risk.