P120 Determinants of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity

Abstract

It has been proven that aortic pulse wave velocity (aoPWV) the measure of arterial stiffness is a strong and independent predictor of both cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Beyond the “gold standard” cfPWV brachial-ankle PWV (baPVW) measurement has been accepted for assessing arterial stiffness and endorsed into the position paper of Artery Society as a recommended method. The aim of this study was to define the determinants of baPVW.

Patients and methods

baPVW and ABI was measured with BOSO-ABI system in 188 consecutive adults (98 male, 91 female) at risk of or with manifest CV disease (mean age: 58 years). This oscillometric device is capable to measure blood pressure on both upper and lower extremities simultaneously with four cuff to assess ABI and baPVW, as well.

Results

baPVW was significantly correlated with age but this correlation was not as strong as it can be observed with aortic PVW (R = 0.172). Linear backward regression analysis confirmed that age and brachial systolic blood pressure proved to be the main determinants of baPVW.

Conclusions

baPVW is a suitable complimentary method for assessing arterial stiffness which can provide useful information regarding not only aortic stiffness but the peripherial arteries.