Changes of vascular stiffness and central blood pressure after endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with hypertension. Results of one-year follow-up

Aim. To assess the changes of arterial stiffness, central blood pressure (CBP), and determine the factors potentially influencing them in patients with descending thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm, in combination with hypertension, one year after endovascular aneurysm repair ((T)EVAR). Material and methods. Patients ≥18 years of age without clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias were included. Before surgery and a year later, we determined peripheral blood pressure, heart rate (HR), CBP, augmentation index (AIx), pressure at the point of maximum rise of the direct pulse wave (PT1h), time to return of the reflected pressure wave (Tr) and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Results. Fifty patients were included (mean age, 68±9 years; 41 men; 16 with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, 34 with abdominal aortic aneurysm), 23 patients were reexamined. After (T)EVAR, an increase in cfPWV (+2,6 m/s, p<0,001), PT1h (+5 mm Hg, p=0,026), peripheral pulse pressure (+7 mm Hg, p=0,039), heart rate (+5 beats/min, p=0,025). The CBP and AIx values have not changed. The dependence of Tr decrease on the stent-graft length (β=0,42) and the decrease in heart rate (β=-0,52) was found. During the year, 6 cardiovascular events were registered. Conclusion. Graft implantation is accompanied by an increase in cfPWV, regardless of aneurysm location. An increase in PT1h one year after (T)EVAR may reflect a decrease in aortic distensibility and worsening damping function. No changes of CBP and AIx is probably explained by reflected wave characteristics after surgery. Predictors of Tr are — increase in heart rate and implantation of longer stent grafts.