PP.10.14

Abstract

Objective: The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and age are the main factors which influence arterial stiffness. Data on the interrelation of arterial stiffness with other cardiovascular risk factors is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship of arterial stiffness, SBP and cardiovascular risk factors in very elderly subjects. Design and method: Routine investigations, aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement and central pulse wave analysis (PWA) was done in 64 subjects older than 80 years (mean age 83,4 ± 0,8 years, 34,4% male, mean brachial SBP 132,6 ± 6,96 mm Hg) with BPLab Vasotens system («Petr Telegin», Russia). The subjects were admitted due to acute coronary syndrome. Patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 40%, atrial fibrillation, aortic stenosis and severe comorbidities were not included. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison PWV and PWA results in subgroups by brachial SBP tertiles (I from 94 to 127,3 mmHg, II from 127,4 to 140 mmHg and III from 140,1 to 174 mmHg). Pearson test was used for correlation analysis. Results: By brachial SBP tertiles central SBP was 102,3 ± 5,7, 124,5 ± 3,2, 138,8 ± 8,5 mm Hg (p < 0,0001), respectively. There was no significant increase of augmentation index (AI) from I to III tertiles of brachial SBP: 34,6 ± 8,3, 40,9 ± 7,1, 40,1 ± 7,4% (p = 0,43), respectively. No significant difference in PWV was observed also: 12,0 ± 0,89, 11,1 ± 0,78, 11,1 ± 1,3 m/s (p = 0,27), respectively. Central SBP was associated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0,42, p < 0,05), waist circumference (r = 0,52, p < 0,005), triglycerides level (r = 0,45, p < 0,05). Paradoxical negative correlation between central SBP and PWV r = -0,33 (p < 0,001) was observed. Significant correlation between central SBP and EF was found (r = 0,59, p < 0,0001). Conclusions: In the very elderly central SBP is not determined by arterial stiffness (PWV) but is associated with LV contractility (ejection fraction).