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Arterial stiffness is increased in hypertensive centenarians
Tomasz Jachymczyk1, Marcin Cwynar, Jolanta Zyczkowska
1Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland.
Blood Pressure
|May 3, 2007
Summary
In Polish centenarians, hypertension is linked to increased arterial stiffness, similar to younger populations. This study highlights the importance of blood pressure management in extreme longevity for maintaining vascular health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Investigating the relationship between blood pressure and arterial stiffness is crucial for understanding cardiovascular health in aging populations.
- Centenarians represent a unique group for studying the long-term effects of cardiovascular parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between blood pressure levels and arterial stiffness in Polish centenarians.
- To compare arterial stiffness parameters across different blood pressure subgroups in this elderly cohort.
Main Methods:
- Examined 59 Polish centenarians (mean age 101.3 years).
- Measured peripheral blood pressure and arterial stiffness using pulse wave analysis (PWA).
- Categorized participants into normotensive, systolic hypertensive (ISH), and systolo-diastolic hypertensive subgroups.
Main Results:
- Centenarians exhibited elevated peripheral and central blood pressures.
- Arterial stiffness indices, including augmentation index (AIxP, AIxC, AIxC75), were significantly higher in hypertensive groups compared to normotensives.
- Central pulse pressure (PPc) was lowest in normotensives and highest in the ISH group.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension in centenarians is associated with increased arterial stiffness, mirroring findings in younger individuals.
- Maintaining normal blood pressure may be protective against arterial stiffening even at extreme ages.
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