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Evaluation of pulse wave velocity in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and Behçet's disease

Gonenc Kocabay1, Hakan Hasdemir, Mustafa Yildiz

  • 1Kartal Kosuyolu Heart and Education Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Cevizli, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey. gonenckocabay@yahoo.com

Journal of Cardiology
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pulse wave velocity is elevated in chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases, indicating impaired arterial function. Age is the primary independent factor influencing pulse wave velocity in these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Physiology

Background:

  • Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) frequently involve cardiovascular system inflammation, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a key indicator of arterial stiffness and endothelial function, predicting cardiovascular risk.
  • Impaired arterial dilatation capacity, reflected by PWV, can compromise blood pressure regulation and coronary perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behçet's disease.
  • To assess PWV as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk in these chronic inflammatory rheumatologic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 98 subjects, including 24 rheumatoid arthritis, 22 systemic lupus erythematosus, 33 Behçet's disease patients, and 19 healthy controls, was studied.
  • Aorta pulse wave velocity was measured using the Complior Colson device for automated pulse wave recording and analysis.

Main Results:

  • Pulse wave velocity was significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Behçet's disease compared to healthy controls.
  • Regression analysis revealed that age was the sole independent predictor of pulse wave velocity across all groups.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated pulse wave velocity is characteristic of chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases, suggesting subclinical arterial dysfunction.
  • While PWV is altered in these conditions, no significant differences were observed between the specific disease groups.
  • Age emerged as the most critical independent factor influencing pulse wave velocity, highlighting its role in vascular aging within CTDs.
Abstract

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