Estimation of arterial rigidity parameters in patients with gout and essential hypertension

Abstract

Objective. To estimate arterial rigidity parameters from noninvasive arteriographic readings in patients with gout and essential hypertension (EH). Subjects and methods. One hundred and twenty-eight patients with gout and EH were examined by noninvasive arteriography (Tensio Clinic TL1 arteriograph, Tensio Med, Hungary). Results. In patients with gout, central artery stiffness is higher than that in healthy individuals and patients with EH and characterized by the increases in pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Impaired arterial rigidity suggests that these changes play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders in these patients. Conclusion. By taking into account the findings and an increasing interest in the study of arterial stiffness as a reliable predictor of cardiovascular risk, there is a need for further investigations in this area to specify the mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders in gout.