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Published on: February 23, 2020
Aortic augmentation index is associated with the ankle-brachial index: a community-based study
Mahyar Khaleghi1, Iftikhar J Kullo
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Gonda Vascular Center, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Aortic augmentation index (AIx), a measure of arterial stiffness, is linked to lower ankle-brachial index (ABI), indicating peripheral arterial disease risk. This association is stronger in older adults, highlighting age as a key factor in cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Vascular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Increased arterial stiffness is a known risk factor for cardiovascular events.
- Aortic augmentation index (AIx) measures arterial stiffness and wave reflection.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is assessed using the ankle-brachial index (ABI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between AIx and ABI in a community-based sample.
- To determine if AIx is an independent predictor of lower ABI or PAD.
- To explore the influence of age on the AIx-ABI relationship.
Main Methods:
- AIx and ABI were measured in 475 asymptomatic adults.
- Radial artery pulse waveforms were used to derive central aortic pressure.
- Multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Higher AIx was independently associated with lower ABI (P=0.015).
- Higher AIx was also associated with ABI <1.00 (P=0.002).
- A significant interaction between AIx and age was observed, with a stronger inverse association in older subjects.
Conclusions:
- AIx is independently associated with a lower ABI in asymptomatic individuals.
- Arterial stiffness, as measured by AIx, is linked to peripheral arterial disease markers.
- Age modifies the relationship between AIx and ABI, suggesting increased vascular vulnerability in older adults.
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