Vascular stiffness and healthy arterial aging in older patients with optimal blood pressure

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular research
• Gerontology
• Vascular medicine

Background:

• Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a key indicator for diagnosing central arterial stiffness (CAS) and assessing healthy vascular aging (HVA).
• Evaluating CAS and HVA is crucial for understanding cardiovascular health in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess central arterial stiffness (CAS) and healthy vascular aging (HVA) in elderly patients presenting with optimal/normal systemic blood pressure levels.
• Investigate the relationship between blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and vascular aging in a cohort of older adults.

Main Methods:

• 102 elderly patients without comorbidities and with optimal/normal blood pressure (systolic < 120 mmHg, diastolic < 80 mmHg) were analyzed.
• Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-fPWV), central, and peripheral pressures were measured.
• Patients were stratified into four groups based on c-fPWV values and antihypertensive medication use.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion (56.7%) of elderly patients with optimal blood pressure exhibited elevated c-fPWV (≥ 7.6 m/s).
• Central systolic pressure was significantly lower in the group with normal c-fPWV and no medication compared to other groups.
• Elevated c-fPWV was observed across groups, even in those with optimal blood pressure.

Conclusions:

• Optimal blood pressure levels in the elderly do not preclude the presence of central arterial stiffness (CAS).
• A considerable percentage of older adults with normal blood pressure may have c-fPWV values nearing the diagnostic threshold for CAS.
• These findings highlight the importance of assessing arterial stiffness independently of blood pressure readings in elderly populations.