ASSESSMENT OF ARTERIAL RIGIDITY IN DIABETIC PATIENTS ATTENDED IN A CARDIOLOGY SERVICE

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONArterial stiffness is a complex phenomenon characterized by decreased compliance of the great arteries. In diabetes, the arterial wall undergoes a series of biomechanical changes, which can result in arterial stiffness. The mechanisms of these structural and functional arterial alterations in diabetes include insulin resistance, collagen accumulation due to inadequate enzymatic glycation, endothelial and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Increased arterial stiffness is a marker of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. MethodsWe evaluated 46 patients in cardiology service, who underwent central pressure assessment with the Mobil O'Graph device. ResultsA total of 46 patients underwent the examination, 26 women (56%), with a mean age of 58.93 years (+-35). Of these patients, 22 (47.8%) were diabetic. The mean central systolic pressure of diabetic patients was 142.9mmHg (+-35.1) and the central diastolic pressure was 86.9mmHg (+-19.9). The mean pulse wave velocity was 9.68 (+-5.31), with 11 (50%) above the normal value, according to the Brazilian Guideline of Hypertension 2020. DiscussionAs seen in the analyzed patients, diabetic patients are at high risk for an increase in arterial stiffness. This is possibly because the mechanisms that cause changes in endothelial collagen loss, such as advanced glycation end products and the inhibitor of formation of these products, aminoguanidine, are exacerbated in diabetic patients. ConclusionThe importance of assessing arterial stiffness, through pulse wave velocity, in diabetic patients is evident.