Breath holding index and arterial stiffness as markers of vascular aging

The aim of the study was to evaluate correlation of breath holding index (BHI) as functional parameter for intracranial subclinical atherosclerotic changes - we have shown in our previous works and arterial stiffness (AS-functional parameter for extracranial subclinical atherosclerotic changes) in normal population.

We included 120 healthy volunteers (conventional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were excluded) who were examined at our Neurology Department. They were divided into 6 age groups-(25-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-75, 76+ years). We performed standard laboratory workup, body weight and height measurements, Color Doppler and Power Doppler of the main head and neck vessels and Transcranial Doppler, (measured by means of e-Tracking software).

There was decline of BHI, and increase in AS - in correlation with age increase (p<0.01). There was statistically significant negative correlation between BHI and AS (r= -0,931, p<0.01 right and r = -0,938, p<0.01 left).

These results show that decline in BHI as parameter for intracranial microvessel dysfunction is in good correlation with increase of AS as functional parameter of extracranial vascular aging.