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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-02-2019 | Original Article

Ageing affects the balance between central and peripheral mechanisms of cerebrovascular regulation with increasing influence of systolic blood pressure levels

Authors: Sofia Cunha Teixeira, João Brandão Madureira, Elsa Irene Azevedo, Pedro Miguel Castro

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Background

Arterial baroreflex (BR) and cerebral autoregulation (CA) are two major regulatory mechanisms that maintain constant cerebral perfusion. Little is known about the interplay between these mechanisms, particularly when considering the effects of ageing or sex.

Purpose

We studied the relationship between dynamic CA and BR sensitivity (BRS) in healthy subjects by sex and in different age strata.

Methods

95 healthy adults (52% female), 20–80 years-old, were recruited. Arterial blood pressure (Finometer), 3-lead electrocardiogram and cerebral blood flow velocity in middle cerebral arteries (transcranial Doppler) were monitored. We assessed CA by transfer function analysis and BRS in frequency and time domain.

Results

With increasing age, BRS diminished (ANCOVA R² = 0.281, p < 0.001) but CA parameters did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Overall, there was an inverse relationship between the efficacy of BRS and CA low-frequency gain [multivariate linear regression β = 0.41 (0.31; 0.61), p < 0.001]. However, this association suffers changes with ageing: in older subjects BRS and CA were not correlated [β = 0.10 (− 0.41; 0.62), p = 0.369]. Instead, decreasing systolic blood pressure correlated with less efficient CA [lower CA low-frequency gain β = − 0.02 (− 0.03; − 0.02), p = 0.003]. Sex did not affect BRS and CA relationship.

Conclusions

Cerebral blood supply is governed by a tuned balance between BR and CA which is lost with age as BRS decreases dramatically. Low systolic blood pressure values might be harmful to older subjects as they might reduce the ability to keep cerebral blood flow tightly controlled.

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Title: Ageing affects the balance between central and peripheral mechanisms of cerebrovascular regulation with increasing influence of systolic blood pressure levels
Authors: Sofia Cunha Teixeira
João Brandão Madureira
Elsa Irene Azevedo
Pedro Miguel Castro
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-4036-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Ageing affects the balance between central and peripheral mechanisms of cerebrovascular regulation with increasing influence of systolic blood pressure levels

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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