Augmentation index does not reflect risk of coronary artery disease in elderly patients

Shuji Hayashi1, Hirotsugu Yamada, Mika Bando

  • 1Ultrasound Examination Center, Tokushima University Hospital.

Insights

Augmentation index (AI) may not effectively identify coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in elderly individuals. This study found no significant difference in AI between elderly patients with and without CAD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Augmentation index (AI) is a clinical measure of arterial stiffness.
  • AI is considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Previous studies question AI's utility in identifying coronary artery disease (CAD) in elderly populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of AI as a marker for identifying CAD risk in elderly patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between AI and the presence of CAD in an aging demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A total of 120 elderly patients suspected of having CAD were enrolled.
  • Invasive central blood pressure was measured via fluid-filled catheter.
  • Non-invasive AI was calculated using the SphygmoCor system.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in AI was observed between patients with CAD (n=99) and without CAD (n=21).
  • Non-invasive systolic central BP was lower than invasive measurements (115±18 vs. 130±23 mmHg).
  • Non-invasive diastolic central BP was higher than invasive measurements (67±10 vs. 63±10 mmHg).

Conclusions:

  • Augmentation index (AI) may not be a reliable marker for identifying CAD in elderly patients.
  • The findings suggest limitations in using AI for CAD risk assessment in this demographic.
Abstract

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