Significance of aortic propagation velocity in patients with coronary artery disease – A novel echocardiographic parameter of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background: Optimal risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is of paramount importance to deliver appropriate care. As the age increases and with an increase in risk factors for CAD, the stiffness of the vascular system increases. The aortic propagation velocity (APV) may decrease with an increase in the stiffness and decrease in the strain and distensibility. Aim: To correlate the Aortic Propagation Velocity (APV) with the presence and severity of CAD. Subjects and Methods: Patients with diagnosis of Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been enrolled. APV, Aortic strain (AS) and aortic distensbility (AD) have been assessed in them. The correlation of the parameters with severity of CAD was assessed. Results: A total of 100 consecutive patients were studied. The patients were divided into two groups after coronary angiography (Group A – with CAD and Group B – normal coronaries). The male-to-female ratio in the whole cohort was 2.3:1. The mean age of presentation for Group A was 54 ± 10.8 years and for Group B was 51.1 ± 7.37 years (t = 1.56, P = 0.122). The AS, AD, and APV were significantly decreased in patients with CAD (P 32 [14] – 37.09 ± 8.02, respectively, P