Relation of hypertension and glucose tolerance impairment in elderly people to the development of arteriosclerosis: Investigation using pulse wave velocity*

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between the combination of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerosis using pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods: The subjects were 186 men over the age of 60 years (mean age: 68.8 ± 5.8 years). PWV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL cholesterol were measured in all subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of FBS level: a normal group (FBS < 110 mg/dL), an impaired fasting glucose group (110 ≤ FBS < 126 mg/dL) and a diabetes mellitus group (FBS ≥ 126 mg/dL or taking antidiabetics). The subjects were also divided into two groups on the basis of blood pressure level: a hypertension (HT) group (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensives) and a normotension group (other subjects). Results: PWV showed positive correlations with SBP and FBS (r = 0.499 and r = 0.300, respectively). In all three groups classified by FBS level, PWV was higher in subjects with HT than in subjects with normotension (P < 0.01 in all three groups). In the HT group, PWV had already increased at the stage of impaired fasting glucose and was significantly higher in the diabetes mellitus group than in the normal FBS group (P = 0.002). In multiple regression analysis using PWV as a dependent variable, SBP and FBS were selected as independent variables. Conclusions: Even in the elderly, strict control of blood pressure and blood sugar level may be necessary in order to prevent the development of arteriosclerotic diseases.