无症状下肢动脉病变老人的踝臂指数的检测及下肢动脉病变相关因素的分析

目的：检测无症状下肢动脉病变（LEAD）老人的踝臂指数（ABI）,分析LEAD的相关因素。方法：随机选择206例老年患者,以ABI≤0.9作为LEAD的诊断标准,所有对象被分为无症状下肢动脉病变组（LEAD组,48例）和无下肢动脉病变组（无LEAD对照组,158例）,比较两组心血管病危险因素的分布,分析与LEAD相关的因素。结果：LEAD组的年龄、动脉收缩压（SBP）、脉压（PP）、脂蛋白（a）[Lp（a）]、血尿酸（UA）、C反应蛋白（CRP）、糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）,以及臂踝脉搏波传导速度（baPWV）均明显高于无LEAD对照组（P〈0.05,或P〈0.01）;而舒张压（DBP）显著低于无LEAD对照组（P〈0.05）。Pearson相关分析显示,ABI与年龄（r=-0.347,P=0.025）,PP（r=-0.246,P=0.034）,Lp（a）（r=-0.321,P=0.002）,UA（r=-0.215,P=0.046）,CRP（r=-0.335,P=0.031）,HbA1c（r=-0.272,P=0.017）,baPWV（r=-0.278,P=0.017）均呈负相关。Logistic多元回归提示,年龄、SBP、PP以及Lp（a）与LEAD独立相关。结论：年龄、收缩压、脉压以及脂蛋白（a）是LEAD独立危险因素,其积极矫正有助于无症状下肢动脉病变的防治,减少心、脑血管事件的发生。     

Correlation between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and arterial compliance and cardiovascular risk factors in elderly patients with arteriosclerosis.

The objective of this study was to investigate an association between major cardiovascular risk factors and each of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), capacitive arterial compliance (C1), and oscillatory arterial compliance (C2) in elderly patients with arteriosclerosis. We analyzed 160 elderly patients with arteriosclerosis. Vessel wall properties were assessed by baPWV and ABI using a VP-1000 Automatic Arteriosclerosis Measurement System, and C1 and C2 were measured using a DO-2020 Cardiovascular Profiling Instrument. In multiple regression analysis, baPWV was significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean artery pressure, pulse pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), age, and heart rate (r = 0.670, 0.627, 0.580, 0.523, 0.490, 0.200; p < 0.05), ABI was significantly correlated with pulse pressure, SBP and age (r = -0.250, -0.206, -0.168; p < 0.05), C1 was significantly correlated with pulse pressure, SBP, mean artery pressure, age, DBP and heart rate (r = -0.481, -0.469, -0.363, -0.356, -0.239, -0.188; p < 0.05), and C2 was significantly correlated with age, SBP, pulse pressure, DBP, fasting blood glucose, mean artery pressure and heart rate (r = -0.411, -0.395, -0.383, -0.277, -0.213, -0.183, -0.173; p < 0.05). There were no close correlations between baPWV, ABI, or C1 and fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, or body mass index. Moreover, there were significant correlations between baPWV and C1 (r = -0.444, p < 0.001), and between baPWV and C2 (r = -0.257, p < 0.01). In conclusion, these findings underscore the efficacy of baPWV and ABI in identifying the vascular damage of the aged.     

Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity,but not ankle‐brachial index,predicts all‐cause mortality in patients with diabetes after lower extremity amputation

We examined whether brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI) are predictors for mortality in diabetic patients after lower extremity amputation. This was an observational historical cohort study of 102 Japanese diabetic patients after first non‐traumatic lower extremity amputation, with a mean age of 63 years (standard deviation 12 years). The end‐point was all‐cause mortality. During the mean follow‐up period of 3.3 years, 44 patients reached the end‐point. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, baPWV (m/s) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05 and 1.04, both P < 0.01, respectively), but not ABI (HR 0.38 and 0.89, P = 0.08 and 0.86, respectively), was a significant predictor for the end‐point. When baPWV (above or below the median [21.8 m/s]) and ABI (normal [0.9–1.4] or not) were analyzed as categorical variables, the results were similar. In conclusion, baPWV, but not ABI, might be a predictor for all‐cause mortality in diabetic patients after lower extremity amputation.     

Arterial stiffness and contralateral differences in blood pressure: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

A large interarm difference in brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) (≥10 or ≥15 mmHg) is strongly associated with elevated cardiovascular events and mortality. Evidence demonstrating whether such contralateral differences in SBP occur in ankle blood pressure and its association with arterial stiffness is scarce. The aims of this study were to characterize arm and ankle contralateral SBP differences in a sample of community‐dwelling older adults (5077), and to determine whether this difference is associated with arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) between the heart and ankle (haPWV), femoral artery and ankle (faPWV), and brachial artery and ankle (baPWV) in the right and left sides. Prevalence of interarm SBP differences ≥10 and ≥15 mmHg was 5.1% and .7%, respectively; the corresponding prevalence for interankle SBP was 24.9% and 12.0%. Higher BMI and lower ankle‐brachial index (ABI) were significantly correlated with greater interarm SBP differences. Increased age, higher BMI, lower ABI, and greater contralateral differences in haPWV, faPWV, and baPWV were significantly correlated to greater interankle SBP differences. Interankle SBP difference ≥15 mmHg was significantly associated with contralateral differences of >80 cm/s in haPWV (OR = 1.94 [95% CI = 1.52–2.49]), >165 cm/s in faPWV (OR = 1.64 [95% CI = 1.27–2.12]), and >240 cm/s in baPWV (OR = 2.43 [95% CI = 1.94–3.05]). The associations remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, race, BMI, smoking status, and ABI. Compared with interarm differences, interankle differences in SBP are common in older adults. The magnitude of interankle, but not interarm, differences in SBP is associated with various measures of arterial stiffness.     

Influence of different measurement time points on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index in hemodialysis patients.

In order to ensure that they are reliable markers of atherosclerosis and suitable for repetitive follow-up of disease progression and management responses in hemodialysis (HD) patients, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) should be tested to see whether they change with different measurement time points. The aim of this study was to assess whether baPWV and ABI vary according to whether they are measured before HD, after HD, or on the next dialysis-free day. Eighty-nine patients undergoing regular HD were enrolled. The baPWV and ABI were measured 10-30 min before and after HD, and if patients agreed, on the next dialysis-free day. The third measurement of baPWV and ABI, performed 22+/-2 h after HD, was taken in 72 patients (81%). The body weight reduction after HD was 2.5+/-0.9 kg (p<0.001). The brachial and ankle systolic and diastolic blood pressures before HD were significantly higher than those after HD and on the next dialysis-free day (por=0.498). In conclusion, despite the significant decrease in body weight and blood pressures, baPWV increased significantly after HD. In addition, baPWV, but not ABI, may vary at different measurement time points. Therefore, baPWV, but not ABI, should be assessed in a timely manner in HD patients.     

周围动脉硬化指标结合运动负荷试验预测冠状动脉狭窄程度的临床意义

目的探讨周围动脉硬化指标对早期预测冠心病及冠状动脉病变程度的临床意义。方法随机选取解放军总医院心内科住院患者56例,平板运动试验前后完成静息性及运动后即刻踝臂指数(ankle-brachial index,ABI);肱动脉踝动脉脉搏波速度(brachial ankle artery pulse wave velocity,baPWV)、上行主动脉-踝动脉脉搏波速度(haPWV)检测,同时完成冠状动脉造影检查,根据造影结果,分为无病变组9例,无意义狭窄组12例,单支病变组1 7例,双支病变组9例及3支病变组9例,对各组患者运动前后ABI、baPWV及haPWV进行统计学分析。结果静息状态下,与无病变组比较,冠状动脉病变各组ABI差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),baPWV、haPWV明显增高.差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);冠状动脉病变各组间,ABI、baPWV及haPWV值比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);平板运动试验结束即刻,所有研究对象ABI均有不同程度下降,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);无病变组与冠状动脉病变各组baPWV、haPWV及变化值比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论静息baPWV、haPWV显著增高,可以预测冠状动脉存在病变,但不能预测冠状动脉病变程度。运动前后ABI及运动后baPWV、haPWV对冠状动脉病变及病变程度的预测价值均甚微。     

老年高血压患者血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与动脉损害的关系

目的探讨老年高血压患者高同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）与动脉损害的关系以及其中的致病机制。方法选择老年高血压患者312例,依据Hcy水平分为A组（Hcy≤10μmol/L）,B组（10μmol/L20μmol/L）,所有患者行血浆Hcy、血压、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）水平检查,颈动脉超声测量颈总动脉内膜中层厚度和斑块大小,肢体动脉硬化检测测量脉搏波传导速度（baPWV）和踝肱指数（ABI）。结果B组患者较A组脉压、颈动脉粥样硬化评分、baPWV均显著升高（P〈0.05）,2组ABI比较无显著差异。C组较A组脉压、颈动脉粥样硬化评分、baPWV、ABI均显著升高（P〈0.05）。C组与B组比较脉压、颈动脉粥样硬化评分、baPWV、ABI均显著升高（P〈0.05）。结论老年高血压患者动脉损害程度与Hcy水平相关。     

老老年人群动态血压参数与动脉僵硬度的相关性

目的探讨老老年人群动态血压参数与动脉僵硬度的相关性。方法筛选年龄≥80岁的老老年人238例,以血压≥160/95 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)为标准,分为高血压组(134例)和对照组(104例),并进行臂-踝脉搏传导速度(baPWV)和24 h动态血压监测。用Pearson分析动态血压各参数与动脉僵硬度的相关性。结果高血压组baPWV高于对照组(P<0.05)。高血压组偶测收缩压,24 h、昼间和夜间收缩压、舒张压、脉压,收缩压负荷及舒张压负荷均高于对照组.夜间收缩压下降率、舒张压下降率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。baPWV与偶测血压;24 h收缩压、舒张压、脉压;昼间收缩压、舒张压、脉压、心率;夜间收缩压、舒张压、脉压;收缩压负荷、舒张压负荷呈正相关(P<0.05,P<0.01),而与夜间收缩压下降率呈负相关(P<0.01)。结论高血压是老老年人群动脉僵硬度增加的一个重要因素,动脉僵硬度与动态血压、脉压、心率及血压负荷相关。     

Rate of Ankle‐Brachial Index Decline Predicts Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular events (CVEs). We obtained baseline data regarding blood biochemistry, ankle‐brachial index (ABI), brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and echocardiographic parameters from 300 patients on hemodialysis in 2005. We also measured ABI and baPWV annually from June 2005 until June 2012 and calculated rates of changes in ABI and baPWV to identify factors associated with CVEs. Seventy‐three patients died of cardiovascular disease and 199 CVEs occurred in 164 patients during the study period. Cardiac, cerebrovascular and peripheral artery disease (PAD) events occurred in 124, 43 and 32 patients, respectively, and 30 patients had more than two types of CVEs. Analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that a higher rate of decline in ABI (hazard ratio [HR], 4.034; P < 0.001) was the most significant risk factor for decreased patient survival. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that a higher rate of ABI decline (HR, 2.342; P < 0.001) was a significant risk factor for cardiac events, and that a lower baseline ABI was a risk factor for cerebrovascular (HR, 0.793; P = 0.03) and PAD (HR, 0.595; P < 0.0001) events. Our findings suggested that the rate of a decline in ABI and the baseline ABI value are potent correlation factors for survival and CVE morbidity among patients on hemodialysis in Japan.     

Pulse pressure,heart rate,and drug treatment of hypertension

Peak-systolic blood pressure (SBP) and end-diastolic blood pressure (DBP) have been considered the exclusive mechanical factors predicting cardiovascular (CV) risk in populations of normotensive and hypertensive subjects. The purpose of this review is to show that in addition to SBP and DBP, other hemodynamic indices that have particular relevance for coronary complications and originate from pulse pressure (PP) should be taken into account, namely brachial PP and, potentially, heart rate (HR). In normotensive and hypertensive populations, increased PP is an independent predictor for myocardial infarction, more powerful than SBP, even in hypertensive subjects under successful antihypertensive drug therapy. Increased HR is an additional CV risk factor, acting particularly through the presence of an enhanced PP x HR product. Such findings, observed during a period in which standard antihypertensive agents are known to reduce SBP and PP to a much lesser extent than DBP, require the development of intervention trials using drugs acting specifically on SBP, PP, and arterial stiffness.     

Threshold value of home pulse pressure predicting arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes: KAMOGAWA‐HBP study

This cross‐sectional multicenter study was designed to evaluate the threshold value of home pulse pressure (PP) and home systolic blood pressure (SBP) predicting the arterial stiffness in 876 patients with type 2 diabetes. We measured the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) and estimated the ability of home PP to identify arterial stiffness using Youden‐Index defined cut‐off point. The arterial stiffness was measured using the brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). AUC for arterial stiffness in morning PP was significantly greater than that in morning SBP (P < .001). AUC for arterial stiffness in evening PP was also significantly greater than that in evening SBP (P < .001). The optimal cut‐off points for morning PP and evening PP, which predicted arterial stiffness, were 54.6 and 56.9 mm Hg, respectively. Our findings indicate that we should pay more attention to increased home PP in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

Diagnostic value of simultaneous brachial and ankle blood pressure measurements for the extent and severity of coronary artery disease as assessed by myocardial perfusion imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although the simultaneous measurement of brachial and ankle blood pressure is a simple method of evaluating atherosclerosis, its diagnostic value for coronary artery disease (CAD) is undetermined. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the diagnostic value of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) and brachial-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), 334 consecutive patients with suspected CAD were evaluated. Patients with a previous myocardial infarction or coronary intervention were not included. The magnitude of myocardial ischemia was evaluated by myocardial perfusion imaging. Using a 20-segment model, the percent of ischemic segments to total segments was expressed as %myocardium ischemic. In patients with < or =1, 2 and > or =3 coronary risk factors, %myocardium ischemic was 2.7+/-0.4, 4.0+/-0.5, 7.9+/-0.8%, respectively (p<0.0001 for trend). Performing ABI with a cutoff of 1, the %myocardium ischemic was similar in patients with < or =1 or 2 risk factors. In patients with > or =3 coronary risk factors, however, an ABI <1 reflected greater %myocardium ischemic than an ABI > or =1 (10.1+/-1.3, 6.6+/-1.0%; p=0.03). No such additional value was observed with baPWV. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of simultaneous brachial and ankle blood pressure measurements will help further stratify patients with multiple risk factors. Although this approach is simple, it facilitates the identification of high-risk patients who require aggressive treatment because >10% myocardium ischemic is regarded as a scintigraphic indicator for coronary revascularization.     

Reproducibility of arterial stiffness indices (pulse wave velocity and augmentation index) simultaneously assessed by automated pulse wave analysis and their associated risk factors in essential hypertensive patients.

Arterial stiffness is a strong determinant of cardiovascular risk. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx) are widely used as arterial stiffness indices. We studied the reproducibility of these indices and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensives. We measured brachial blood pressure (BP), brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) and carotid AIx (cAIx) twice (at the baseline and 4 weeks after the baseline) using an automatic device in 103 hypertensives. The mean intraobserver-intersession difference was 29.0 cm/s with an SD of 201.6 cm/s for baPWV, and 0.5% with an SD of 5.9% for cAIx, and the Bland-Altman plots demonstrated the good reproducibility of baPWV and cAIx. Both baPWV and cAIx (the average of the 1st and the 2nd measurements) were significantly correlated with age, systolic BP (SBP), and pulse pressure (all, p <0.005); however, these factors were not correlated with each other (r =0.06, NS). cAIx was correlated with height, heart rate (HR), total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (all, p <0.05). In multiple regression analysis, age, SBP, and HR emerged as significant independent predictors of baPWV (adjusted R(2)=0.43, p <0.0001), while height, SBP, HR, and LDL-C emerged as significant independent predictors of cAIx (adjusted R(2)=0.58, p <0.0001). Both PWV and AIx measured using an automatic device were fairly reproducible, and their associated risk factors appeared to be different. Automated simultaneous measurement of these arterial stiffness indices may be useful for risk stratification of hypertensives.     

老年男性原发性高血压患者动态血压及血压变异性与踝臂指数的关系探讨

目的评价老年男性原发性高血压患者动态血压及血压变异性(BPV)与踝臂指数(ABI)的关系。方法入选老年男性原发性高血压患者160例,按照ABI分为正常ABI组(ABI>0.90)104例和低ABI组(ABI≤0.90)56例,比较并分析其24 h动态血压参数和BPV参数。结果低ABI组较正常ABI组24 h平均脉压[(62.4±13.8)mm Hg比(53.0±13.0)mm Hg]、日间平均脉压[(67.3±17.0)mm Hg比(55.4±20.0)mm Hg]和夜间平均脉压[(63.0±16.0)mm Hg比(52.9±13.6)mm Hg]均高(P<0.01),同时夜间收缩压最大值[(146.5±17.4)mm Hg比(135.5±17.1)mm Hg]、夜间收缩压标准差[(12.4±4.0)mm Hg比(10.1±4.2)mm Hg]均大(P<0.05)。结论老年男性原发性高血压患者夜间收缩压最大值、夜间收缩压标准差、日间平均脉压、夜间平均脉压和24 h平均脉压升高可能是低ABI的危险因素。     

Usefulness of the ankle-brachial index in assessing vascular function in normal individuals.

INTRODUCTION: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) has been widely used in the diagnosis of established obstructive peripheral artery disease. However, its applicability in the earlier stages of vascular dysfunction lacks experimental demonstration. Our aim was thus to evaluate the potential of this indicator in the study of vascular function in a normal population. METHODS: A total of 224 healthy male athletes were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. All underwent measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (CRPWV). Central pulse pressure (PP) was extrapolated from CFPWV and CRPWV using a conversion algorithm (Complior, Colson, Paris). ABI was also calculated (adjusted for body surface area), and casual blood pressure and other relevant anthropometric data were recorded. RESULTS: The sample's mean age was 20+/-5.64 years, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 121+/-10.77 and 67+/-8.67 mmHg respectively. ABI showed a significant inverse correlation with CFPWV (r=-0.455; p<0.001) and with central PP (r=-0.465; p<0.001). Bivariate analysis of the correlation between ABI and left ventricular structural indicators revealed a significant inverse correlation with left ventricular mass (r=-0.43; p<0.05) and left ventricular systolic (r=-0.54; p<0.05) and diastolic (r--0.51; p<0.05) diameters, and with left atrial diameter (r--0.39; p<0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant pulse pressure amplification (F (1,071,208,765) = 565.433; p<0.001), with lower values over the aorta (47.9+/-11.01), intermediate values over the brachial artery (54.2+11.66), and higher values over the ankle (74.1+/-15,17). Significant augmentation differences were found between brachial (5.4+/-2.99) and ankle (26.2+/-13.85) territories (F (1, 195) = 427.350; p<0.001). Significant correlations were found between ABI and aorta-ankle PP amplification (r=0.757; p<0.001), as well as with ankle PP (r=0.631; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The strong association observed between ABI and arterial stiffness indicators, as well as with left ventricular and left atrial structural parameters, strongly supports the idea that this indicator may be useful in clinical practice by improving understanding and identification of potentially important hemodynamic adaptations. Thus, the arterial continuum strongly suggests a broad approach is advisable, integrating information from multiple sources, although the long-term value of the ABI as a potential risk marker remains to be determined in prospective studies.     

Training rather than walking: the test in -train out program for home-based rehabilitation in peripheral arteriopathy.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training reduces walking disability in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This non-randomized study evaluates the effects on walking ability and hemodynamic parameters of a novel approach to home-based rehabilitation, the test in -train out program (Ti-To), compared with the traditional home-based free walking exercise (Tr-E). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 143 patients with claudication (117 men, average age 68+/-10 years), were included in a Ti-To (n=83) or Tr-E program (n=60). Evaluations, which were carried out upon entry and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 months, included: self-reported claudication, walking ability (ie, absolute claudication distance, pain threshold speed), resting/exercise heart rates (HR), systolic/diastolic brachial pressure (SBP/DBP), ankle pressure (AP), ankle-brachial index (ABI). Ti-To involved 2 daily 10-min home walking sessions at maximal asymptomatic speed and the patient attending monthly check-ups at hospital. Tr-E involved 20-30 min of daily walking at self-selected speeds up to pain tolerance. A total of 126 patients (Ti-To, n=74; Tr-E, n=52) completed the program. Ti-To induced better relief from claudication (p=0.001). Functional parameters improved significantly for both groups (p<0.0001) with significant intergroup difference for Ti-To (p<0.0001). SBP and exercise HR decreased significantly in both groups, with Ti-To improving resting HR (p=0.0002), DBP (p=0.003), lowest AP worse limb (p=0.004) and ABI worse limb (p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PAD, a Ti-To program had more positive effects on perceived claudication, and functional and hemodynamic parameters than did a Tr-E program.     

踝臂指数联合脉搏波传导速度对冠心病的预测价值

目的探讨踝臂指数（ABI）及肱-踝脉搏波传导速度（baPWV）对冠心病（CHD）及其病变程度的预测价值。方法对经冠脉造影确诊的432例CHD患者和535例非CHD患者进行baPWV、ABI检测,分析CHD患者的baPWV、ABI变化特征,并与非CHD组对照。结果非CHD组、单支病变组、双支病变组、三支病变组baPWV值逐渐增加,且四组间baPWV比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。冠脉病变组与非病变组之间ABI差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,ABI在冠脉病变程度组间逐渐递减,且三支病变组与单支病变组及双支病变组比较差异有统计学意义（尸〈0．05）。结论ABI及baPWV均可反映冠脉病变的程度,且可作为CHD的早期预测指标。     

Relationship of carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and ankle brachial index to the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and the ankle brachial index (ABI) are widely used noninvasive modalities for evaluating atherosclerosis. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of carotid IMT, PWV, and ABI with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), expressed as the Gensini score, and the presence of coronary risk factors. METHODS: We examined 205 consecutive patients (mean age 65 +/- 12 years) who were clinically suspected of having CAD and were scheduled to undergo coronary angiography. Carotid intima-media thickness, brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and ABI were measured in all subjects before they underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 124 patients were diagnosed as having CAD based on the presence of >50% stenosis in a major coronary artery; the remaining 81 patients did not have CAD. A relatively good correlation was obtained between carotid IMT and the Gensini score (R = 0.411, p < 0.0001), whereas baPWV correlated only weakly with the Gensini score (R = 0.203, p = 0.0035), and ABI did not correlate with it. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the Gensini score correlated significantly and independently with age, male gender, and carotid IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Of the three noninvasive methods, carotid IMT may be more useful for determining coronary artery atherosclerosis than baPWV or ABI.     

Importance of arterial pulse pressure as a predictor of coronary heart disease risk in PROCAM.

AIMS: To investigate pulse pressure (PP) as an independent predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: On the basis of a 10-year follow-up of 5389 men aged 35-65 at recruitment into PROCAM, we used a proportional hazards model to calculate the effect of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and PP on CHD risk after correcting for age, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking, diabetes, and family history of premature CHD. Increases of 10 mmHg in DBP, SBP, and PP were associated with an increased CHD hazard ratio (HR) of approximately 10%. When the group was divided into the age groups <50, 50-59, and >59 years, this relationship was seen in the age group 50-59 years for DBP, SBP, and PP and in men aged > or =60 for PP only (25% increase in HR). Overall, CHD risk in men with PP > or =70 mmHg was more three times that of men with PP <50 mmHg. This increased risk was not apparent at age <50 years, was greatest at age >60 years, and was also present in men who were normotensive at recruitment (SBP < or =160 mmHg, DBP < or =95 mmHg). CONCLUSION: In older European men, increased PP is an important independent determinant of coronary risk, even among those initially considered normotensive.     

老年高血压患者中心动脉压与动脉粥样硬化及左心室功能的关系

目的 探讨老年高血压患者中心动脉压与动脉硬化及左心功能的关系. 方法 155例老年高血压患者,分为60～79岁组71例.80～95岁组84例.分别应用脉搏波分析仪计算中心动脉压及反射波增强指数;用全自动动脉硬化测量仪测定动脉硬化相关指标:臂踝脉搏波传导速度、踝臂指数、趾臂指数;用多普勒超声心动仪测定左心功能相关指标:舒张末期室间隔厚度、舒张末期左心室内径、舒张末期左心室后壁厚度、左心室相对厚度、左心室质量指数、二尖瓣前叶EF斜率、左心室射血分数、短轴缩短率. 结果 80～95岁组收缩压、脉压、中心动脉压、反射波增强指数、臂踝脉搏波传导速度均高于60～79岁组(P<0.05),踝臂指数、趾臂指数均低于60～79岁组(P<0.01).80～95岁组舒张末期室间隔厚度、舒张末期左心室后壁厚度、左心室相对厚度,左心室质量指数均高于60～79岁组(P<0.05),二尖瓣前叶EF斜率显著低于60～79岁组(P<0.05),舒张末期左心室内径、左心室射血分数、短轴缩短率两组阃差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05).经年龄、性别、体质指数、血糖、血脂、血尿酸、血肌酐调整后,中心动脉压与反射波增强指数、臂踝脉搏波传导速度呈正相关(r值分别为0.505和0.284,P<0.01);与踝臂指数、趾臂指数无相关性(P>0.05).中心动脉压与左心室肥厚及心功能指标舒张末期室间隔厚度、舒张末期左心室后壁厚度、左心室相对厚度、左心室质量指数亦呈正相关(P<0.05),而与二尖瓣前叶EF斜率呈负相关(P<0.01),与左心室射血分数、短轴缩短率、舒张末期左心室内径无相关性(P>0.05). 结论 随年龄的增长,老年高血压患者中心动脉压升高,动脉硬化程度加重,并伴随左心室肥厚及舒张功能下降.中心动脉压可用于早期动脉硬化的诊断和筛查.