A study on the relationship between food insecurity and periodontitis in Korean adults:the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII) from 2016-2018 / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#This study aimed to investigate the association between food insecurity and periodontitis in Korean adults. @*Methods@#The data used for analysis were obtained from the 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). Data were analyzed using chi-square test. Additionally, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between food insecurity and periodontitis. Statistical significance level was set at <0.05. @*Results@#In models corrected for social, economic, medical, and health behavioral factors, logistic regression analysis for food anxiety and periodontitis showed a significant correlation with F4 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-4.79). @*Conclusions@#There was a significant association between food insecurity and periodontitis in Korean adults. These results show that food insecurity is associated with periodontitis, and that food stability is an essential factor in improving or managing periodontitis.

Ischemic Burden Assessment Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Single Vessel Chronic Total Occlusion of Coronary Artery

Background and Objectives@#Studies evaluating the nature of ischemic burden of chronic total occlusion (CTO) vessels are still lacking. @*Methods@#A total of 165 patients with single vessel CTO >2.5 mm in an epicardial coronary artery who underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were enrolled in the study. Ischemic burden was calculated with the use of semi-quantitative SPECT analysis, and was defined as the summed difference score (SDS) divided by the maximal limit of the score (=SDS/68). @*Results@#The mean age of the participants was 59.5 years and the CTO of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), left circumplex coronary artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) accounted for 93 (56.4%), 18 (10.9%), and 54 (32.7%) patients, respectively. The median ischemic burden of the total population was 8.8%, and it was highest in the LAD CTO (10.3%) compared with the LCX (5.9%) and RCA CTO (5.9%, p10%) was observed in 66 patients (40.0%), and in 47 patients (50.5%) of the LAD CTO. Ischemic burden was different according to the CTO location only in LAD CTO. The statistically significant predictors for high-ischemic burden were hypertension, baseline ejection fraction >45%, LAD CTO, proximal CTO location, and de novo CTO. Japanese-CTO score and Rentrop scale collateral grade were not associated with high-ischemic burden. @*Conclusions@#Only 40% of patients with single vessel CTO had ischemic burden >10%. For CTO vessels, measurement of ischemic burden using SPECT prior to revascularization may be helpful in identifying beneficial subjects.

The Role of Health Committee for Health Management of Rural Residents in the COVID-19 Epidemic / 農村醫學 地域保健

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to suggest the direction of the Healthy Village project for rural residents in accordance with the prolonged COVID-19 by investigating the digital environment for major health problems, the role of a health leader, necessary projects, and non-face-to-face projects for Healthy Village members in the COVID-19 epidemic. @*Methods@#Telephone interview surveys were conducted with 585 residents from November 30, 2020 to December 21, 2020. @*Results@#Health problems perceived by residents were in the order of concerns about infection (48.5%), depression (32.5%), difficulties in using medical services (9.4%), and lack of exercise (7.7%). The role of the health committee in the COVID-19 situation was “encouraging people to follow quarantine rules” with 91.3%. As a necessary health village project, there was a high demand for the provision of health products and mental health projects. 17.9% said that there is a computer or smart device connected to the Internet in their home, and 42.2% said that there is someone in the village who can easily get help if there is a problem in accessing and using Internet information. 36.9% were able to watch videos, and 22.2% were able to use the Internet through public facilities. @*Conclusion@#In a public health crisis, where the provision of public health and medical services to rural residents is not smooth, it is necessary to manage health and quarantine through health leaders in the village, and it is required to establish a digital environment infrastructure that can conduct community participatory health village projects in a non-face-to-face environment.

Trends and Level in Health Literacy Research on Immigrants in Korea:A Literature Review

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the current state and trends of health literacy research considering migrants living in South Korea. @*Methods@#A review of the literature was conducted using electronic data base and citation tracking. A total of 82 articles were identified, of which 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for review. Two authors reviewed the articles independently using a matrix table and then examined four aspects of the studies jointly: research method, immigrant characteristics, health literacy assessment, and main findings. @*Results@#Most of the articles (n=13) were descriptive studies and three were methodology studies for instrument development. Of the 13 studies, eight involved female immigrants, four of health literacy involved migrant workers, and four concerned North Korean Refugees. A total of eight types of health literacy assessment tools were used. Sufficient samples and sampling methods were lacking at the population level. @*Conclusion@#The results of the review generally showed that the health literacy of immigrants was lower than that of native South Koreans, and that there was a difference between nationality and gender among immigrants; however, further research is needed to review a larger sample with a validated instrument.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on the Prevention of Gastric Cancer in the General Population with or without Precancerous Lesions: A Meta-analysis / 대한소화기암학회지

We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis on whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication can prevent gastric cancer in individuals with precancerous lesions (chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia). The studies evaluating the effect of H. pylori eradication on gastric cancer were searched from PubMed, KoreaMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Subgroup analyses by precancerous lesions, regions and follow-up time were performed. Six randomized clinical trials were included. In the overall population, H. pylori eradication significantly decreased the risk of gastric cancer (risk ratio [RR]=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.77, p0.05). In the general population especially in Asian population, H. pylori eradication can reduce the risk of gastric cancer. The effect of the eradication treatment is remarkable upon the long-term follow-up. In contrast, there is insufficient evidence whether the eradication should be recommended for the individuals with precancerous lesions.

Effectiveness of Wireless Streaming on Telephone Conversation in Users of Hearing Aids / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to figure out the clinical effectiveness of the bluetooth wireless streaming when used with a hearing aid during cell phone conversation for hearing-impaired listeners.Subjects and Method Twenty-four adults with hearing loss participated (mild: 3, moderate: 13, moderately severe: 8) in the study. The following three objective tests and one subjective questionnaire were administered to all participants; 1) consonant and Monosyllabic test in an noisy environment, 2) speech recognition test in quiet and noisy conditions, 3) listening effort test, and 4) questionnaire about sound quality and preference. Each objective test was conducted in three different cell phone conversation environments as follows; 1) unaided condition, 2) aided condition, with the bluetooth function off, and 3) aided condition, with the bluetooth function on. @*Results@#In the aided condition with the bluetooth function off, performance on consonant and monosyllabic tests was the lowest (p＜0.05). However, when the bluetooth function was turned on, the result showed statistically significant superior performance (p＜0.05). For the words and sentences test in noisy conditions, using wireless streaming feature with the hearing aids were beneficial compared to not using the feature (p＜0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the bluetooth off and on conditions in quiet conditions. Listening effort was significantly lower in noisy background for aided bluetooth on condition (p＜0.05). There was no significant difference in sound quality according to each condition, but the preference of Bluetooth feature was overwhelmingly high. @*Conclusion@#Bluetooth wireless streaming is beneficial during phone conversation in noisy environments for users of hearing aids.

Trends and Level in Health Literacy Research on Immigrants in Korea:A Literature Review

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the current state and trends of health literacy research considering migrants living in South Korea. @*Methods@#A review of the literature was conducted using electronic data base and citation tracking. A total of 82 articles were identified, of which 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for review. Two authors reviewed the articles independently using a matrix table and then examined four aspects of the studies jointly: research method, immigrant characteristics, health literacy assessment, and main findings. @*Results@#Most of the articles (n=13) were descriptive studies and three were methodology studies for instrument development. Of the 13 studies, eight involved female immigrants, four of health literacy involved migrant workers, and four concerned North Korean Refugees. A total of eight types of health literacy assessment tools were used. Sufficient samples and sampling methods were lacking at the population level. @*Conclusion@#The results of the review generally showed that the health literacy of immigrants was lower than that of native South Koreans, and that there was a difference between nationality and gender among immigrants; however, further research is needed to review a larger sample with a validated instrument.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on the Prevention of Gastric Cancer in the General Population with or without Precancerous Lesions: A Meta-analysis / 대한소화기암학회지

We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis on whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication can prevent gastric cancer in individuals with precancerous lesions (chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia). The studies evaluating the effect of H. pylori eradication on gastric cancer were searched from PubMed, KoreaMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Subgroup analyses by precancerous lesions, regions and follow-up time were performed. Six randomized clinical trials were included. In the overall population, H. pylori eradication significantly decreased the risk of gastric cancer (risk ratio [RR]=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.77, p0.05). In the general population especially in Asian population, H. pylori eradication can reduce the risk of gastric cancer. The effect of the eradication treatment is remarkable upon the long-term follow-up. In contrast, there is insufficient evidence whether the eradication should be recommended for the individuals with precancerous lesions.

The Effects of the Level of Health Literacy and Self-care Activities on Quality of Life of Patients with Diabetes in Korea

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify levels of health literacy and examine the effects of health literacy and self-care activities on quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes. @*Methods@#A cross sectional design was used. Questionnaires were administered via the Gallup to 500 Korean patients with diabetes in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t tests, one way ANOVA, and hierarchical regression. @*Results@#Of 500 patients, 12.4% (n=62) indicated ‘inadequate’ health literacy, and 43.8% (n=219) reported ‘marginal’ or ‘adequate’ health literacy. Levels of health literacy significantly differed by demographic characteristics, self-care activities, and quality of life. The factors that had a significant effect on quality of life included inadequate health literacy (B=3.63, p=.042) and marginal health literacy (B=3.84, p=.002); however, no significant relationship was found for self-care activities (B=0.01, p=.827). @*Conclusion@#The results of this study demonstrate a need for further research with large samples using Korean Health Literacy Scale for Diabetes Mellitus to establish the relationships between health literacy, diabetes self-care activities, and quality of life.

Early experience and favorable clinical outcomes of everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds for coronary artery disease in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Compared with metallic drug-eluting stents (DES), bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) may further improve long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease. We report our early experience with BVS in Korea. METHODS: We evaluated 105 consecutive patients with BVS implanted at Asan Medical Center, Korea between October 21, 2015 and June 3, 2016. Angiographic results, and in-hospital and 6-month clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 134 BVS were implanted to treat 115 lesions. The mean age was 62 ± 10.5 years; 85 patients (81%) were males, 26 patients (25%) were presented with acute coronary syndrome. Among 115 lesions treated with BVS, 76 (66.1%) were B2/C type, 27 (23.5%) were bifurcation lesions, and four (3.5%) were chronic total occlusion. Pre-dilation and post-dilation using high-pressure non-compliant balloon was performed in 104 lesions (90.4%) and 113 lesions (98.2%), respectively. During the procedure, intravascular imaging was used for all patients (100%; intravascular ultrasound 89 and optical coherence tomography 40 patients). Device success rate was 100%. In-segment and in-scaffold acute again were 1.1 ± 0.6 and 1.3 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. Periprocedural myocardial infraction occurred in four patients (3.8%). No deaths, stent thrombosis, or urgent revascularizations occurred either during hospitalization or the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center experience, implantation of BVS with intravascular imaging support was feasible and early clinical outcomes were excellent. Evaluation of long-term efficacy and safety of BVS and its feasibility in clinical use for a broader range of lesions is warranted.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting vs. Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation for Multivessel Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is currently a limited amount of data that demonstrate the optimal revascularization strategy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). We compared the long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) for multivessel CAD in patients with CKD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 2108 CKD patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) with multivessel CAD that were treated with PCI with DES (n=1165) or CABG (n=943). The primary outcome was a composite of all causes of mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The mean age was 66.9±9.1 years. RESULTS: Median follow-up duration was 41.4 (interquartile range 12.1-75.5) months. The primary outcome occurred in 307 (26.4%) patients in the PCI group compared with 304 (32.2%) patients in the CABG group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–1.12; p=0.493). The two groups exhibited similar rates of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.77–1.09; p=0.295), myocardial infarction (adjusted HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.85–4.07; p=0.120) and stroke (3.2% vs. 4.8%; HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57–1.61; p=0.758). However, PCI was associated with significantly increased rates of repeat revascularization (adjusted HR, 4.72; 95% CI, 3.20–6.96; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Among patients with CKD and multivessel CAD, PCI with DES when compared with CABG resulted in similar rates of composite outcome of mortality from any cause, MI, or stroke; however, a higher risk of repeat revascularization was observed.

Impact of Follow-Up Ischemia on Myocardial Perfusion Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

PURPOSE: Few studies have reported on predicting prognosis using myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment. Therefore, we aimed to assess the clinical implications of myocardial perfusion SPECT during follow-up for CAD treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 1153 patients who had abnormal results at index SPECT and underwent follow-up SPECT at intervals ≥6 months. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were compared in overall and 346 patient pairs after propensity-score (PS) matching. RESULTS: Abnormal SPECT was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACE in comparison with normal SPECT over the median of 6.3 years (32.3% vs. 19.8%; unadjusted p<0.001). After PS matching, abnormal SPECT posed a higher risk of MACE [32.1% vs. 19.1%; adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27–2.34; p<0.001] than normal SPECT. After PS matching, the risk of MACE was still higher in patients with abnormal follow-up SPECT in the revascularization group (30.2% vs. 17.9%; adjusted HR=1.73; 95% CI=1.15–2.59; p=0.008). Low ejection fraction [odds ratio (OR)=5.33; 95% CI=3.39–8.37; p<0.001] and medical treatment (OR=2.68; 95% CI=1.93–3.72; p<0.001) were independent clinical predictors of having an abnormal result on follow-up SPECT. CONCLUSION: Abnormal follow-up SPECT appears to be associated with a high risk of MACE during CAD treatment. Follow-up SPECT may play a potential role in identifying patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Role of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring in Detection of Coronary Artery Disease according to Framingham Risk Score in Populations with Low to Intermediate Risks

Current guidelines recommend that coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening should only be used for intermediate risk groups (Framingham risk score [FRS] of 10%-20%). The CAC distributions and coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence in various FRS strata were determined. The benefit to lower risk populations of CAC score-based screening was also assessed. In total, 1,854 participants (aged 40-79 years) without history of CAD, stroke, or diabetes were enrolled. CAC scores of > 0, ≥ 100, and ≥ 300 were present in 33.8%, 8.2%, and 2.9% of the participants, respectively. The CAC scores rose significantly as the FRS grew more severe (P 20% strata were 3.4%, 6.7%, 9.0%, and 11.6% (P 20%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the yield of screening for significant CAC and occult CAD is low in the very low risk population but it rises in low and intermediate risk populations.

Development of a Document Management System for the Standardization of Clinical Laboratory Documents

BACKGROUND: Documentation is very important; a considerable number of documents exist for use in accreditation inspection. However, most laboratories do not effectively manage the processes of documentation, organization, and storage. The purpose of this study was to facilitate the establishment of a strategically effective and sustainably standardized document management system. METHODS: A document code formatting system was modified by comparing the document list data received from 3 major university hospitals. In addition, a questionnaire regarding document code standardization was created and sent to 268 institutes to establish document classifications and generate a standard coding scheme. A computerized document management system was developed. RESULTS: Only 32% (8 out of 25 institutes) answered that they were able to identify all of the document types and their numbers. In total, 76% of institutes (19 out of 25) answered that a systematic document management system was necessary. Disorganized document files were systemized by classifying them into 8 major groups according to their characteristics: patient test records (T), test quality control (Q), manuals (M), equipment and environment management (E), statistics (S), division administration (A), department administration (R), and others (X). CONCLUSIONS: Our documentation system may serve as a basis for the standardization of documents and the creation of a document management system for all hospital laboratories.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Due to Hematoma as a Rare Complication after Femoral Arterial Catheterization / 영남의대학술지

Hematoma is quite a common complication of femoral arterial catheterization. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous studies regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) caused by compression of a vein due to a hematoma. We report a case of a hematoma developing after femoral arterial catheterization and causing extensive symptomatic DVT. A 59-year-old male was seen in our Emergency Department with right lower leg swelling 15 days after coronary stent implantation performed using right femoral artery access. Computed tomographic (CT) scanning revealed a large hematoma (45 mm in its longest diameter) compressing the common femoral vein and with DVT from the right external iliac vein to the popliteal vein. Due to the extensive DVT involvement, we decided to release the compressed common femoral vein by surgical evacuation of the large hematoma. However, even following evacuation of the hematoma, as the DVT did not resolve soon, further mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis were performed. Angiography then showed nearly resolved DVT, and the leg swelling was improved. The patient was discharged with the anticoagulation medication, warfarin.

Acute and Long-Term Angiographic Outcomes of Side Branch Stenosis after Randomized Treatment of Zotarolimus-, Sirolimus-, and Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent for Coronary Artery Stenosis

This was designed to assess the outcomes of side branch (SB) stenosis after implantation of three drug-eluting stents (DES). From 2,645 patients in the ZEST (Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent with Sirolimus-Eluting and PacliTaxel-Eluting Stent for Coronary Lesions) Trial, 788 patients had 923 bifurcation lesions with SB > or = 1.5 mm were included. SB was treated in 150 lesions, including 35 (3.8%) receiving SB stenting. Of untreated SB with baseline stenosis < 50%, the incidences of periprocedural SB compromise was similar in the zotarolimus (15.8%), sirolimus (17.2%), and paclitaxel (16.6%) stent groups (P = 0.92). At follow-up angiography, delayed SB compromise occurred in 13.9%, 3.2%, and 9.4% (P = 0.010) of these groups. When classified into four groups (< 50%, 50%-70%, 70%-99%, and 100%), 9.0% of untreated SB were worsened, whereas improvement and stationary were observed in 9.6% and 81.4%. In a multivariable logistic regression model, main branch (MB) stenosis at follow-up (%) was the only independent predictor of SB stenosis worsening (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.04; P < 0.001). After MB stenting in bifurcation lesions, a minority of SB appears to worsen. DES with strong anti-restenotic efficacy may help maintain SB patency.

Effective Intervention Strategies to Improve Health Outcomes for Cardiovascular Disease Patients with Low Health Literacy Skills: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE: Systematic studies on the relationship between health literacy and health outcomes demonstrate that as health literacy declines, patients engage in fewer preventive health and self-care behaviors and have worse disease-related knowledge. The purpose of this study was to identify effective intervention strategies to improve health outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease and low literacy skills. METHODS: This study employs the following criteria recommended by Khan Kunz, Keijnen, and Antes (2003) for systematic review: framing question, identifying relevant literature, assessing quality of the literature, summarizing the evidence, and interpreting the finding. A total of 235 articles were reviewed by the research team, and 9 articles met inclusion criteria. Although nine studies were reviewed for their health outcomes, only six studies, which had a positive quality grade evaluation were used to recommend effective intervention strategies. RESULTS: Interventions were categorized into three groups: tailored counseling, self-monitoring, and periodic reminder. The main strategies used to improve health outcomes of low literacy patients included tailored counseling, improved provider-patient interactions, organizing information by patient preference, self-care algorithms, and self-directed learning. Specific strategies included written materials tailored to appropriate reading levels, materials using plain language, emphasizing key points with large font size, and using visual items such as icons or color codes. CONCLUSION: With evidence-driven strategies, health care professionals can use tailored interventions to provide better health education and counseling that meets patient needs and improves health outcomes.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Early Experience in Korea

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was recently introduced in Korea. The present report describes the experience of early TAVI cases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March, 2010 and October, 2011, 48 patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) were screened at the Asan Medical Center to determine their suitability for surgical intervention. Of these, 23 were considered unsuitable and underwent TAVI. Procedural success rates, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated in the TAVI patients. RESULTS: Transfemoral (n=20) or transapical (n=3) TAVI was performed. The mean age of patients was 75.9+/-5.4 years and 57% were females. The mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 25.6+/-5.1%. Implantation was successful in 22 patients (19 transfemoral, three transapical). After successful implantation, the mean aortic valve area increased from 0.68+/-0.14 cm2 to 1.45+/-0.33 cm2. There were no procedure-related complications or mortality. The patients showed no paravalvular aortic regurgitation with > or = moderate degree and remained stable without progression during follow-up. During follow-up (interquartile range, 1.1-12.9), all patients were alive without any occurrence of valve failure. CONCLUSION: TAVI procedure is feasible in patients with inoperative symptomatic AS leading to hemodynamic and clinical improvement. With accumulation of experience, proper patient selection and development of device technologies, TAVI should decrease adverse events and expand the indications in the near future.

Relationship Between Organizational Communication Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment among Hospital Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to analyze the relationship between organizational communication satisfaction and organizational commitment among hospital nurses. METHOD: A survey was conducted with 647 nurses who were working in 24 hospitals in Korea. Data were collected during August 2010. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The mean level of organizational communication satisfaction was 3.15 (min 1.88 -max 4.88) and the mean level of organizational commitment was 3.21 (min 1.33 - max 4.83). There was a statistically significant correlation between organizational communication satisfaction and organizational commitment (r=. 655). According to analysis of the impact of the subconstructions of organizational communication satisfaction on organizational commitment, the following factors had significant influence on organizational communication satisfaction: vertical communication, communication media, and organizational climate. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that communication satisfaction was the most important factor for nurses' organizational commitment. Therefore, there is a need to develop communication strategies and skills for hospital nurses to increase the level of communication satisfaction.

Impact of Arterial Stiffness on Regional Myocardial Function Assessed by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffening may affect regional myocardial function in hypertensive patients with normal ejection fraction (EF). METHODS: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in 70 patients, of mean age 48 +/- 14 years, with untreated hypertension and EF > 55%. Using two-dimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography, we measured longitudinal and circumferential strain (epsilon) and strain rate (SR). Basal and apical rotations were measured using short axis views. RESULTS: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in these patients was 152 +/- 15 mmHg and 92 +/- 11 mmHg, respectively. The mean value of PWV was 1578 +/- 274 cm/s. PWV significantly correlated with age (r = 0.682, p 1700 cm/s compared to those with PWV < or = 1400 cm/s or those with PWV 1400-1700 cm/s. CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients with normal ejection fraction, arterial stiffening contributes to impaired systolic and diastolic function of the regional myocardium. Compensatory increases in ventricular twist were diminished in patients with advanced stage of vascular stiffening.