The Relationship Between Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Clinical Factors with Aortic Valve Sclerosis in Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and arterial stiffness in asymptomatic individuals without known cardiovascular (CV) disease.Both AVS and arterial stiffness are associated with atherosclerosis and have been closely related to CV diseases in previous studies. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI and AVS.
 Methods: Patients who applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic were included in the study sequentially. Subjects were analyzed according to exclusion criteria.One hundred sixty-five patients were included in the study, and AVS was detected in 35 (21%) of them. The remaining 130 (79%) patients were included in the control group.AVS was measured with echocardiography, and arterial stiffness was measured with the VaSera VS-1000 CAVI device. A CAVI value of 9 and above was accepted as abnormal. Statistics were made according to the group with and without AVS.
 Results: CAVI was statistically different between the AVS and control groups(9.47±1.64 vs. 7.60±1.27 p< 0.001). The Pearson correlation test determined the correlation between AVS and increased CAVI values (p< 0.001).In the multivariable logistic regression analysis model, increased CAVI (OR: 2.048, 95%CI 1.183-3.547, p: 0.010) was an independent predictor for AVS.Others were found as age (p:0.026) and diabetes mellitus (p:0.037).
 Conclusions: The relationship between AVS and arterial stiffness is associated with the atherosclerotic process.Careful investigation and regular follow-up of asymptomatic individuals with AVS detected during echocardiography or increased CAVI values are important in other CV diseases.