Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Induced by Reduced Aortic Compliance

Abstract

Aim: It was the aim of this study to investigate the long- term effects of reduced aortic compliance on cardiovascular hemodynamics and cardiac remodeling. Method: Sixteen swine, divided into 2 groups, a control and a banding group, were instrumented for pressure and flow measurement in the ascending aorta. Teflon prosthesis was wrapped around the aortic arch in order to limit wall compliance in the banding group. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded throughout a 60-day period. After sacrifice, the mean cell surface of the left ventricle was documented. Results: Banding decreased aortic compliance by 49 ± 9, 44 ± 16 and 42 ± 7% on the 2nd, 30th and 60th postoperative day, respectively (p < 0.05), while systolic pressure increased by 41 ± 11, 30 ± 11 and 35 ± 12% (p < 0.05), and pulse pressure by 86 ± 27, 76 ± 21 and 88 ± 23%, respectively (p < 0.01). Aortic characteristic impedance increased significantly in the banding group. Diastolic pressure, cardiac output and peripheral resistance remained unaltered. The mean left ventricular cell surface area increased significantly in the banding group. Conclusions: Acute reduction in aortic compliance results in a significant increase in characteristic and input impedance, a significant decrease in systemic arterial compliance and a subsequent increase in systolic and pulse pressures leading to left ventricular hypertrophy.

Aortic Reservoir Pressure Corresponds to Cyclic Changes in Aortic Volume

“…17,25 This hemodynamic consequence has been demonstrated in animal studies whereby application of noncompliant grafts around (or in replacement of) the proximal aorta acutely yields more pathological central BP waveforms (augmented BP) and increased myocardial load resulting in LV hypertrophy. [27][28][29] It is, therefore, not surprising that as the large arteries become stiff with age, 30 the altered aortic reservoir function largely accounts for the augmentation of the central BP waveform. 6 Once the reservoir function of the aorta is considered, the remaining contribution to the central BP waveform (the excess pressure) has been proposed to correspond to the excess LV work beyond the minimum needed for flow ejection into the proximal aorta.…”

Aortic Compliance and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

“…7 The exact etiology of aortic aneurysm is unclear, but smoking, atherosclerosis, hypertension and aging are thought to be risk factors, which are almost common features of patients with diastolic heart failure. LV hypertrophy and arterial stiffening could influence LV diastole by increasing the systolic load to prolong relaxation, compromise filling, and increase end-diastolic pressure.…”

Endothelial Cell Lining of PET Vascular Prostheses: Modification with Degradable Polyester-based Copolymers and Adhesive Protein Multi-layers

“…The use of solid non-degradable components in the design of vascular prostheses is associated with several limitations, in particular reduced compliance, reduced vaso activity and the possibility of foreign body reaction [22,56,57]. Nevertheless, firm mechanical reinforcement ensures superior safety by preventing potential graft rupture or aneurysm formation [15].…”