The following is a summary of “Association of Longer Leukocyte Telomere Length With Cardiac Size, Function, and Heart Failure,” published in the September 2023 issue of Cardiology by Aung et al.
For a study, researchers aimed to evaluate the link between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and cardiovascular imaging phenotypes. The cross-sectional study involved UK Biobank participants who were recruited between 2006 and 2010.
Researchers utilized a quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure (LTL. Cardiovascular imaging phenotypes were derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance using machine learning. The median follow-up duration was 12.0 years (IQR 11.3-12.7). Multivariable regression models were employed to assess the associations between LTL, imaging measurements, and incident heart failure (HF). Additionally, mendelian randomization was used to explore genetic links between LTL and significantly associated traits. The data analysis was conducted from January to May 2023.
Among 40,459 participants (48.3% men, mean age 55.1), longer LTL correlated independently with positive cardiac remodeling and reduced heart failure risk (LTL fourth quartile vs first: HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.81-0.91; P = 1.8 × 10-6). Mendelian randomization suggested a potential causal link between LTL and cardiac parameters.
The study revealed that the longer LTL was linked with larger, healthier hearts in middle age, potentially lowering heart failure risk.
Source: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2807386
