Application of CAVI Index in Clinical Practice: Calculated Vascular Age as a Tool for Decision on Additional Examination of Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

to analyze correspondence between determination of vascular age of patients with cardiovascular diseases by volumetric sphygmography and their chronological age, and to assess the influence of lipid factors and atherosclerotic lesions in carotid arteries (CA) on parameters associated with the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). Clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination which included volumetric sphygmography was carried out in 185 patients with various cardiovascular diseases. Calculated vascular age was determined on the basis of graphic conversion of ratio of CAVI and true age of a patient. Calculated vascular age exceeded chronological age in 43 patients (23.4%). Analysis of the data obtained in this subgroup, except natural interrelation between such characteristics as age, ankle-brachial index, CAVI and calculated vascular age revealed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) between following parameters: R-CAVI and male gender (r = 0.35), calculated vascular age (based on R-CAVI) and TG (r = -0,34), L-CAVI and BMI (r = -0.36), R-ABI and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries (r = -9.34). Comparison of influence of lipid factors and CA atherosclerotic lesions on CAVI associated parameters revealed no significant differences between groups. Volumetric sphygmography with calculation of vascular age is an easily reproducible and accessible method of screening of early changes in the vascular wall. Determination of vascular age of patients with cardiovascular diseases by volumetric sphygmography suggests advisability of thorough medical examination at least in a quarter of total number of patients.