Systolic hypertension in arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower limbs

Hemodynamic parameters were measured in 24 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower limbs (AOLL) in comparison with 16 normal subjects of same age. Systemic artérial compliance was estimated from a simple visco-elastic model. In patients with (AOLL), systolic pressure was significantly increased (P less than 0.001) while diastolic pressure remained within normal ranges. Arterial compliance was reduced (P less than 0.01) and was negatively correlated with systolic pressure (r = - 0.72). Intravenous administration of nitroglycerin significantly decreased systolic pressure (P less than 0.05) and increased arterial compliance (P less than 0.01) without any change in mean arterial pressure. The study provided evidence that, in patients with AOLL the reduced systemic arterial compliance contributes in the increase in systolic pressure largely.