Central diastolic blood pressure is associated with the degree of coronary collateral development

Coronary collaterals (CCs) serve as alternative conduits for blood flow in obstructive coronary artery disease. We investigated the association of various components of blood pressure (BP) parameters with the the degree of coronary collateralization. Patients (n = 245) who underwent coronary angiography were included. Intraarterial BP in the ascending aorta was determined using a standard fluid-filled system. Readings of the conventional peripheral pressure were measured using a manual sphygmomanometer. All blood samples were drawn at admission, before coronary angiography. A total of 65 patients were found to have adequate CC development. Central diastolic BP and peripheral diastolic BP were found to be lower in the group with adequate CC. In multivariate logistic regression model, central diastolic BP and Gensini score were found to be independent predictors of adequate CC. In conclusion, low central diastolic BP in the case of severe coronary stenosis may be an important stimulus for adequate CC development.