Resting heart rate in cardiovascular ageing: from risk marker to risk factor

Ó Hartaigh, Bríain William-John (2013). Resting heart rate in cardiovascular ageing: from risk marker to risk factor. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

An accumulation of epidemiological studies along with several lines of experimental research highlight sustained elevated resting heart rate as a significant predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, resting heart rate as a simple and inexpensive clinical parameter often remains overlooked by physicians. We therefore sought to raise awareness concerning the detrimental role of elevated resting heart rate in cardiovascular disease. Using three separate large prospective cohort studies, we examined the clinical importance of accelerated resting heart rate as a robust predictor of adverse cardiovascular prognosis. The current data supports the contention that a raised resting heart rate amplifies the risk of having several cardio-metabolic risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome, and increased pulse wave velocity. Resting tachycardia also appeared to increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality in otherwise healthy individuals, as well as negatively predicting outcome in patients already at-risk for the condition. Notably, we observed a strong synergistic effect between inflammatory activity and concurrent elevated resting heart rate among those who experienced a cardiovascular event. Overall, these findings underline the relevance of a high resting heart rate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and in the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular mortality.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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