Abstract

The aortic augmentation index (AI) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) are known to be indicators of arterial stiffness. However, it is not clear whether aortic AI and PWV reflect aortic stiffness in similar ways. We investigated the relationship between aortic AI and PWV by measuring them directly using a catheter technique. Forty-one patients, aged 34-79 years, were studied during diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Aortic pressures were measured using a catheter-tip manometer at two points, one in the ascending aorta and one 40 cm distally in the descending aorta. Aortic AI was defined as the difference between early and late pressure peaks divided by the pulse pressure of the ascending aorta. Aortic PWV was calculated as the distance between the two measuring sites divided by the transit time. We also examined the effects of vasodilatation on AI and PWV by the intra-aortic administration of nitroglycerin in 15 patients. AI was significantly related to age, systolic aortic pressure, heart rate, left ventricular ejection time, and height. Aortic PWV showed an association only with age and systolic aortic pressure. There was no significant relationship between aortic AI and PWV (r = 0.28, NS). Nitroglycerin also produced different effects on aortic AI and PWV: aortic AI was significantly decreased (-0.17, P < 0.01) after nitroglycerin, but PWV remained unchanged (+0.4 m/s, NS). Aortic AI and PWV cannot be used interchangeably as an index of arterial stiffness. AI may not be a true indicator of arterial stiffness, but an index of wave reflection including PWV.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.