Brachial arterial stiffness predicts coronary atherosclerosis in patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases

Kunio Yufu1, Naohiko Takahashi, Futoshi Anan

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine I, School of Medicine, Oita Medical University, Oita, Japan.

Japanese Heart Journal
|April 20, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Percent mean pulse amplitude (%MPA) in the brachial artery may predict coronary atherosclerosis. Lower %MPA was observed in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis, suggesting its potential as a novel atherosclerosis marker.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Diagnostic Markers

Background:

  • Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an established predictor of atherosclerosis.
  • Percent mean pulse amplitude (%MPA) is a novel proposed marker for atherosclerosis.
  • Coronary atherosclerosis severity is assessed by Gensini score and coronary calcium grade.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the predictive value of PWV and %MPA for coronary atherosclerosis.
  • To compare %MPA and PWV in patients with and without significant coronary artery stenosis.
  • To determine the correlation between brachial %MPA and coronary atherosclerosis severity.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-three patients with cardiovascular risk factors were divided into significant coronary artery stenosis (+)stenosis and no significant stenosis (-)stenosis groups.
  • Non-invasive vascular screening device used to measure PWV and %MPA at the brachial artery and ankles.
  • Coronary atherosclerosis severity assessed using Gensini score and coronary calcium grade.

Main Results:

  • Gensini score and coronary calcium grade were significantly higher in the (+)stenosis group.
  • Brachial %MPA was significantly lower in the (+)stenosis group compared to the (-)stenosis group.
  • Brachial %MPA showed a significant correlation with both Gensini score (r=0.62, P=0.0001) and coronary calcium grade (P=0.030).

Conclusions:

  • Brachial %MPA demonstrates predictive value for coronary atherosclerosis.
  • %MPA may serve as a novel, non-invasive marker for assessing atherosclerosis risk.
  • These findings are relevant for subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...