PULSE WAVE ANALYSIS IN YOUNG STUDY PARTICIPANTS

Abstract

Objective: To perform pulse wave analysis in young study participants and find factors associated with cardiovascular risk. Design and method: A total of 48 clinically healthy study participants, aged 28±8 years, 58% male, underwent pulse wave analysis using a Mobil-O-Graph. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index and pressure (AI, AP), vascular age, central and peripheral blood pressure variables were assessed. Early vascular aging (EVA) was defined by a vascular age exceeding the chronological age. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), central systolic blood pressure (SBPc), central diastolic blood pressure (DBPc), PWV, AI, AP were as follows: 114±22 mmHg, 73±14 mmHg, 104±17 mmHg, 74±12 mmHg, 5.19 m/s, 23±14 % and 8.31±8.13 mmHg, respectively. EVA was detected in 28 (58%) study participants, related to increased AI (44%), increased PWV (21%) or both increased PWV and AI (12.5%). Significant correlations were found between PWV and chronological age, body mass index (BMI), central and peripheral blood pressure. AI significantly correlated with BMI (r = -0.46, p = 0.01) and AP with blood pressure variables, especially DBP (r = 0.754, p<0.00001) and DBPc (r = 0.73, p<0.00001). Comparing results obtained in male and female study participants, significant differences were obtained for PWV (5.34±0.78 m/s in male vs 4.99±0.39 m/s in female participants, p = 0.0381) and AI (17.46±14.03 % in male vs. 30.4±10.05 m/s in female participants, p = 0.0004). Early vascular aging and increased AI and PWV considering age were less common in male compared to female participants (50% vs 70%, 39% vs 65%, and 14% vs 30%, respectively). The correlation between PWV and DBP was stronger in male participants (r = 0.305, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Cardiovascular risk should be considered in young persons, regardless of gender, considering BMI, central and peripheral blood pressure, PWV, AI, AP and EVA.