Özet:

Background: The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). Its relationship with aortic stiffness parameters is unknown. Objective: We evaluated the predictive value of the aortic stiffness parameters in risk groups of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Methods: A total 272 consecutive patients (116 females, 156 males, mean age 61.76±11.5 years) who admitted routinely for cardiologic control were divided into two groups according to CHA2DS2-VASc scores (a score of “0 and 1” was regarded as low risk, and “≥2” as high risk). 153 of 272 patients had high risk. Results: Aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly lower in patients with in patients with high risk than in low risk subjects (8.9±3.2 vs. 14.1±3.9 respectively; P<0.001 and 3.4±2.3 vs. 6.9±3.2 respectively; P<0.001). Aortic strain ındex and elastic modulus were significantly higher in patients with high risk than in low risk subjects (6.5±2.9 vs. 3.5±1.4 respectively; P<0.001 and 766.6±374.5 vs. 348.4±175.9 respectively; P<0.001). Aortic strain and aortic distensibility were negatively correlated with high risk group. Aortic stiffness index and elastic modulus were positively correlated with high risk group. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, elastic modulus was independent predictors of high thromboembolic risk in terms of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Aortic stiffness parameters measurement could provide additional information on assessing cardiovascular risk such as thromboembolic events, and individuals with impaired aortic stiffness should receive more attention to reduce unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors and the development of future cardiovascular events.