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

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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

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.

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