Associations between left ventricular function, vascular function and measures of cerebral small vessel disease: a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study of the UK Biobank

ObjectivesImpaired cardiovascular function has been associated with cognitive deterioration; however, to what extent dysfunction plays a role in structural cerebral changes remains unclear. We studied whether vascular and left ventricular (LV) functions are measures of small vessel disease (cSVD) the middle-aged general population.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis UK Biobank, 4366 participants (54% female, mean age 61 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging assess LV (ejection fraction [EF] cardiac index [CI]) cSVD (total brain volume, grey white matter volumes, hippocampal volume hyperintensities [WMH]). Augmentation (AIx) was used as measure arterial stiffness. Linear non-linear associations were evaluated using determinants outcomes.ResultsEF non-linearly total largest for an EF between 55 60% (both p < 0.001). showed negative linear association WMH (- 0.23% [- 0.44; - 0.02], = 0.03), yet no found or volume. CI positive (? 3194 mm3 [760; 5627], 0.01) 72.5 [23.0; 122.0], 0.004). No WMH. significant AIx measures.ConclusionsThis study provides novel insights into complex heart brain, which could potentially guide early interventions aimed at improving prevention cSVD.Key Points • Ejection is linearly MRI-derived disease. stiffness measures.