Interrelation of Indicators of Left Ventricular-Arterial Coupling and Parameters of Local Arterial Stiffness in the Postinfarction Period

Abstract

Objective: To study the correlations between the parameters of the left ventricular-arterial coupling (LVAC) and the parameters of local arterial stiffness in patients after STEMI 6 months after revascularization. Design and method: 125 patients (mean age 51.2 ± 8.8 years) after STEMI were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by biomarkers of myocardial necrosis, ECG, coronary angiography. Echocardiography was performed at the 7–9th day and 6 months after STEMI (MyLab, Esaote, Italy), followed by calculation of LVAC indices: arterial elastance (Ea), left ventricular elastance (Ees), LVAC index (Ea/Ees). The study of the right and left common carotid arteries (CCA) was carried out on a MyLab ultrasound scanner (Esaote, Italy) using high-frequency RF signal technology. The following parameters were recorded: QIMT - intima-media thickness, DC - lateral distensibility coefficient, stiffness index β, loc Psys - local SBP, locPdia - local DBP, locPWV - local pulse wave velocity, AP - amplification pressure. Results: In the study of the correlation of LVAC indices with the CCA rigidity parameters recorded on 7–9th day from the STEMI, a relationship was revealed only between Ees and LocPsys (r = 0.40; p = 0.01), Ees and LocPdia (r = 0, 26; p = 0.004). After 6 months of follow-up, a closer relationship between the LVAC and the parameters of the local CCA stiffness was diagnosed. The Ea indicator correlated with DC (r = -0.23; p = 0.009), PWV (r = 0.21; p = 0.02), LocPsys (r = 0.33; p = 0.0002), LocPdia (r = 0.26; p = 0.004) and AP (r = 0.19; p = 0.03). The Ees indicator was found to be associated with LocPsys (r = 0.38; p = 0.00001), LocPdia (r = 0.27; p = 0.002), AP (r = 0.22; p = 0.01). Conclusions: After 6 months, there was a closer correlation between the LVAC indices and the parameters of local pressure and rigidity. This is probably partly due to the remodeling of the cardiovascular system in the postinfarction period and the inclusion of compensatory-adaptive mechanisms that ensure the contractile function of the heart.