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Arterial stiffness in relation to subclinical atherosclerosis
A Wykretowicz1, P Gerstenberger, P Guzik
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology-Intensive Therapy, University School of Medicine, Poznan, Poland. awykreto@ptkardio.pl
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|December 18, 2008
Summary
Arterial stiffness correlates with subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy adults, but this association is not independent of age, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure. These measures reflect distinct aspects of vascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Vascular Aging Research
- Diagnostic Imaging in Atherosclerosis
Background:
- Arterial stiffness (arteriosclerosis) is a natural part of aging.
- Atherosclerosis distribution is variable and often occurs in stiffened arteries.
- The relationship between general arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if arterial stiffness or wave reflection correlates with subclinical atherosclerosis (IMT) in healthy individuals.
- To explore the interplay between aging, arterial stiffness, and atherosclerosis markers.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 116 healthy subjects (mean age 55).
- Assessed arterial stiffness and wave reflection using digital volume pulse (DVP) and pulse wave analysis (PWA).
- Measured subclinical atherosclerosis via carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).
Main Results:
- Stiffness Index (SI(DVP)) correlated with IMT (r=0.37, P<0.01).
- IMT correlated with age, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and mean blood pressure (BPmean).
- Arterial stiffness was not independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis after accounting for age, WHR, and BPmean.
Conclusions:
- Indices of subclinical atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, and wave reflection represent different facets of vascular status.
- General arterial stiffness is linked to subclinical atherosclerosis but not independently.
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