Age-associated increases in middle cerebral artery pulsatility differ between men and women
Wesley K. Lefferts, Krista S. Reed, Rachel E. Rosonke, Jacqueline A. Augustine, Kerrie L. Moreau
Abstract
We identify sex-specific associations between increasing age and cerebral pulsatility and its vascular mechanisms. When compared with men, women in our cross-sectional analysis exhibited greater age-associated increases in carotid stiffness, carotid pulse pressure, and cerebral pulsatility particularly during midlife. These data suggest that the rapid expansion of pulse pressure during midlife contributes to an exaggerated increase in cerebral pulsatility among women and suggest a potential mechanism contributing to sex differences in brain aging.
Topics & Concepts
Middle cerebral arteryArterial stiffnessMedicinePulse pressureCarotid arteriesInternal medicineCardiologyCerebral arteriesBlood pressureIschemiaCardiovascular Health and Disease PreventionCerebrovascular and Carotid Artery DiseasesBlood Pressure and Hypertension Studies