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Updated: Oct 15, 2025
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Published on: May 3, 2018
District Differences in the Measured Values of Arterial Stiffness in Japan
Nobuyuki Miyai1, Kiyoshi Uchiba2, Hirofumi Tomiyama3
1School of Health and Nursing Science, Wakayama Medical University Wakayama Japan.
Insights
Arterial stiffness, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, was higher in older adults in Japan's Wakayama district compared to Nagano. This suggests regional differences in arterial stiffness may explain varying cardiovascular disease prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Medical Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence varies across districts in Japan.
- Arterial stiffness is a recognized independent risk factor for CVD.
- Understanding regional variations in arterial stiffness is crucial for CVD prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate district-level differences in arterial stiffness across Japan.
- To determine if arterial stiffness measurements correlate with known CVD prevalence variations between regions.
- To explore the link between arterial stiffness and geographic disparities in cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Recruited local residents from Wakayama (n=461) and Nagano (n=186) prefectures for health checkups in 2018.
- Measured arterial stiffness using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).
- Employed multivariate adjustment and linear regression analysis to assess district differences in baPWV.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in baPWV were observed between Wakayama and Nagano districts, particularly in individuals aged 70 years and older.
- Adjusted baPWV was notably higher in the Wakayama district compared to the Nagano district for the older age group (1,912±25 vs. 1,763±30 cm/s; P<0.01).
- Multivariate linear regression confirmed a significant association between the Wakayama/Nagano district difference and baPWV (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- District-level variations in arterial stiffness exist between Wakayama and Nagano prefectures.
- These findings suggest that regional differences in arterial stiffness may contribute to the observed disparities in cardiovascular disease prevalence.
- Further research is warranted to confirm if arterial stiffness underlies district differences in CVD prevalence in Japan.
Abstract:
In Japan, district differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are well-known. This study examined district differences in Japan in measured values of arterial stiffness, an independent risk factor for CVD. Local residents participating in health checkups conducted in the Wakayama (n=461) and Nagano (n=186) prefectures in 2018 were recruited to the study. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was evaluated as an index of arterial stiffness. After multivariate adjustment, baPWV was significantly higher in the Wakayama than Nagano district in subjects aged ≥70 years (mean [±SE] 1,912±25 vs. 1,763±30 cm/s; P<0.01), but not in subjects aged <70 years. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the Wakayama/Nagano district difference was significantly (P<0.01) associated with baPWV. District differences were observed in the measured values of arterial stiffness in Wakayama and Nagano. The Wakayama and Nagano prefectures are representative areas with a relatively high and relatively low prevalence of CVD, respectively, in Japan. Therefore, based on the results of the present study, we propose to conduct a study to examine whether district differences in arterial stiffness underlie district differences in the prevalence of CVD.
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Prepare for the Procedure:
01:21Sites for measruring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment: