Reference values for arterial stiffness indices in an Omani Arab population

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Population Health Studies

Background:

• Arterial stiffness is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
• Establishing population-specific reference values for arterial stiffness indices is essential for accurate clinical assessment.
• Applanation tonometry is a widely used non-invasive method for measuring arterial stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine reference values for arterial stiffness indices, specifically augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV).
• To establish these reference values in a healthy Omani Arab population.
• To provide a basis for interpreting these measures in clinical practice within this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 120 healthy Omani adults.
• Measurements of central AIx, aortic PWV (AoPWV), and central pulse pressure (CPP) using SphygmoCor device.
• Reference ranges determined using 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles, stratified by gender.

Main Results:

• Mean age of participants was 38 years (men) and 35 years (women).
• Overall mean central AIx was 13±11%, and mean AoPWV was 6.7±1.6 m/s.
• Significant gender differences observed: AIx higher in women (17% vs 10%), AoPWV higher in men (7.1 vs 6.3 m/s).

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first reference values for arterial stiffness indices in the Omani Arab population.
• The established reference ranges can aid clinicians in evaluating cardiovascular risk.
• Results should be considered within the study's limitations.