137 DETERMINANTS OF FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF LARGE ARTERIES IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Changes in structural and functional properties of large arteries are correlated with increased cardiovascular risk. The identification of the determinants of these properties and their correlation in healthy subjects is important. Objectives: To evaluate in apparently healthy subjects: 1) distribution of values of structural and functional parameters of large arteries obtained by noninvasive methods. 2) main clinical and demographic determinants of these parameters and their correlations. Methods: We evaluated 210 subjects (54% women, mean age 44±13 years), no history or clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure(BP) was measured by automatic device Omron(HEM 705CP) at sitting position. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(PWV) was measured by Complior®. Properties of carotid artery (distension, diameter and intima-media thickness-IMT) were assessed by radiofrequency echotracking ultrasound(WTS-2®). All subjetcs underwent biochemical evaluation. Results: The mean values were: PWV=8.71±1.5 m/s, diameter=6617±985 μm, IMT=601.7±132 μm and distension=5.4±2% and no differences according to gender were observed. In univariate analysis, significant determinants(p <0.05) of main vascular parameters were:PWV (Age, Weight, SBP, DBP, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Glucose), IMT (Age, SBP, PP, Cholesterol, Triglycerides), and Distension (Age, BMI, DBP, PP, HR, Cholesterol, Glucose, Triglycerides). In multivariate analysis, age was independent determinant of PWV and carotid IMT and distension, DBP for distension and creatinine level for diameter. PWV was directly correlated to IMT (R2=0.06,p<0.01) and inversely to distension (R2=0.08,p<0.01). Conclusions: In healthy individuals: a) functional and structural properties of large arteries are most influenced by age, but BP and other biochemical variables can be indirectly related; b)Carotid wall thickness is directly related to aortic stiffness, which in turn is inversely related to the functional capacity of carotid artery.