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Evaluation of aortic elasticity parameters in arsenic exposed workers

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 30, pages 709–713 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

One of the major complications of arsenic on human health is hypertension. Arsenic-related hypertension and negative effects of arsenic on arterial system such as oxidative stress and vasoconstriction/vasorelaxation imbalance may lead to impair aortic elasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of arsenic on aortic elasticity parameters including aortic strain and distensibility. One hundred twelve (112) workers were occupationally exposed to arsenic and 60 healthy control subjects were enroled. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography for detecting aortic strain and aortic distensibility. There were no differences in baseline demographic and echocardiographic characteristics between the groups. Aortic strain (10.3±3.9 vs 12.1±2.7%, P=0.001) and aortic distensibility (0.45±0.17 vs 0.54±0.15 cm2 per dyn, P=0.001) were decreased in arsenic-exposure group compared with controls. Urinary arsenic level was found to be negatively and significantly correlated with aortic strain (r=−0.306, P=0.001) and aortic distensibility (r=−0.259, P=0.006). Duration of arsenic exposure was also found to be negatively and significantly correlated with aortic strain (r=−0.386, P<0.001) and aortic distensibility (r=−0.333, P<0.001). This study suggests that arsenic exposure is related to impairment of aortic elasticity parameters even in subjects without overt cardiovascular disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Cardiology, Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    U N Karakulak

  2. Departments of Clinical Toxicology, Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    O H Yilmaz, E Tutkun & M Gunduzoz

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    E Aladag

  4. Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    B Evranos

  5. Departments of Biochemistry, Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    C Bal

  6. Department of Cardiology, Kecioren Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    M Ayturk & M T Ozturk

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  1. U N Karakulak
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Correspondence to U N Karakulak.

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Karakulak, U., Yilmaz, O., Tutkun, E. et al. Evaluation of aortic elasticity parameters in arsenic exposed workers. J Hum Hypertens 30, 709–713 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2015.128

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