Pulse wave velocity as a marker of arteriosclerosis and its comorbidities in Chinese patients
Xiao-Ning Liu1, Hai-Qing Gao, Bao-Ying Li
1Department of Geriatrics, Qi-Lu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
Insights
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) effectively identifies arteriosclerosis in Chinese patients with hypertension or type 2 diabetes. This non-invasive measure aids in early detection of vascular disease, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Arteriosclerosis is a significant health concern, particularly in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
- Understanding the epidemiology of arteriosclerosis and its comorbidities in diverse populations is crucial for public health.
- Hypertension (HP), coronary heart disease (CHD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and stroke are major comorbidities associated with arteriosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical significance of pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an indicator of arteriosclerosis.
- To determine the prevalence of large artery arteriosclerosis in Chinese patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
- To identify risk factors associated with arteriosclerosis in this population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 910 subjects (748 patients with risk factors, 162 healthy volunteers) was conducted.
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured, with PWV >= 12 m/s defining large artery arteriosclerosis.
- Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of large artery arteriosclerosis was 67.4% in the patient group.
- Prevalence was significantly higher in patients with hypertension (OR: 3.451) and T2DM (OR: 2.854).
- Female sex, older age, hypertension, and T2DM were identified as independent risk factors for arteriosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a valuable tool for routine screening of arteriosclerosis.
- PWV is particularly relevant for patients with hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
- Early detection and management of arteriosclerosis can help mitigate associated comorbidities.
Abstract:
To obtain reliable data on the epidemiology of arteriosclerosis and the comorbidities in patients with hypertension (HP), coronary heart disease (CHD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and stroke, we evaluated the clinical significance of pulse wave velocity (PWV) as an indicator of arteriosclerosis and its comorbidities in Chinese patients. A total of 910 subjects, including 748 Chinese patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors (80.2% male, mean age 73.69+/-5.03 years) and 162 healthy volunteers (78.4% male, mean age 73.60+/-5.32 years) were recruited into the study. PWV was measured in 910 subjects, and large artery arteriosclerosis was defined as PWV >or=12 m/s. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with arteriosclerosis. The prevalence of large artery arteriosclerosis in the patients overall was 67.4%, and the prevalence was higher in patients with than in those without HP (63.3% vs. 34.0%; odds ratio [OR]: 3.451), T2DM (24.8% vs. 11.1%; OR: 2.854), CHD (56.1% vs. 45.1%; OR: 1.246) and stroke (26.6% vs. 19.2%; OR: 1.236), but the OR values of CHD and stroke did not differ significantly (p>0.05). After multiple logistic regression analysis, female sex, older age, HP and T2DM were risk factors for large artery arteriosclerosis. In conclusion, PWV can be used as a routine measurement to scan arteriosclerosis in patients with HP or T2DM.
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