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Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
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Increased brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with impaired endothelial function in patients with

Dong-hong Liu1, Yan Wang, Xin-xue Liao

  • 1Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.

Chinese Medical Journal
|December 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is elevated in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and correlates with reduced endothelial function. Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) may serve as a surrogate marker for assessing endothelial function in CAD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Vascular biology
  • Diagnostic imaging

Background:

  • Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) are established noninvasive markers for atherosclerosis.
  • The relationship between PWV and FMD in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and endothelial function in CAD patients.
  • To determine the correlation between baPWV and FMD in individuals with CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-three CAD patients and thirty controls were enrolled.
  • Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using an automated device.
  • Endothelial function was assessed via flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in the brachial artery using high-resolution ultrasound.

Main Results:

  • CAD patients exhibited significantly increased baPWV compared to controls (1756.1 ± 253.1 cm/s vs 1495.3 ± 202.3 cm/s, P < 0.01).
  • Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was significantly reduced in CAD patients (5.2 ± 2.1% vs 11.1 ± 4.4%, P < 0.01).
  • A significant inverse correlation was found between baPWV and FMD (r = -0.68, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery disease is characterized by elevated baPWV and impaired endothelial function.
  • Increased baPWV is associated with diminished endothelial function in CAD patients.
  • Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) shows potential as a noninvasive surrogate index for evaluating endothelial function in clinical settings.
Abstract

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