The relationship between aortic augmentation index and pulse wave velocity: an invasive study
Masato Sakurai1, Tetsu Yamakado, Hideshi Kurachi
1Department of Cardiology, Mie University of Medicine, Mie, Japan.
Journal of Hypertension
|January 11, 2007
Summary
Aortic augmentation index (AI) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) do not reflect arterial stiffness similarly. These measures of arterial stiffness cannot be used interchangeably.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Aortic augmentation index (AI) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) are established indicators of arterial stiffness.
- The precise relationship between aortic AI and PWV in reflecting aortic stiffness remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aortic AI and PWV.
- To determine if these two measures can be used interchangeably to assess arterial stiffness.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of aortic AI and PWV using a catheter technique in 41 patients (aged 34-79).
- Aortic pressures were recorded using a catheter-tip manometer in the ascending and descending aorta.
- The effects of nitroglycerin on AI and PWV were examined in 15 patients.
Main Results:
- Aortic AI correlated with age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, ejection time, and height.
- Aortic PWV correlated only with age and systolic blood pressure.
- No significant relationship was found between aortic AI and PWV (r = 0.28, NS).
- Nitroglycerin decreased aortic AI but did not change PWV.
Conclusions:
- Aortic AI and PWV are not interchangeable indices of arterial stiffness.
- AI may represent wave reflection rather than solely arterial stiffness, incorporating PWV.
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