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Association between abdominal aortic diameter and peripheral vascular disease
C Rajkumar1, S Bonapace, J Starr
1Division of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|November 19, 1997
Summary
Abdominal aortic diameter correlated with calf-brachial systolic pressure ratio in elderly individuals. This association was stronger in men, suggesting sex-specific arterial properties influence cardiovascular risk indicators.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant vascular disease in the elderly.
- Understanding the relationship between aortic size and peripheral vascular health is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between abdominal aortic diameter and cardiovascular risk indicators in an elderly cohort.
- To explore potential sex differences in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-four elderly participants (mean age 81.2 years) were studied.
- Abdominal aortic diameter was measured.
- Calf-brachial systolic pressure ratio (using Doppler) and other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse correlation was found between abdominal aortic diameter and calf-brachial systolic pressure ratio (r = -0.28, P = 0.04).
- This correlation was notably stronger in men (r = -0.55, P = 0.02) than in women (r = -0.10, P = 0.57).
- The relationship appeared more pronounced with left leg systolic pressure, suggesting potential lateral differences in vascular disease impact.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal aortic diameter is associated with peripheral arterial stiffness in the elderly.
- Sex differences in this association may stem from intrinsic properties of the arterial wall, warranting further investigation.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific factors in vascular health assessments.