糖代谢异常和臂踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉内膜中层厚度间的关系

目的研究从糖耐量正常、糖耐量减低至糖尿病的发展过程中臂踝脉搏波传导速度(baPWV)的变化,探讨其与糖尿病早期动脉硬化颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)的关系。方法90例患者,其中糖耐量正常、糖耐量减低、2型糖尿病各30例。每例均采用全自动动脉硬化仪测定其baPWV及超声检测IMT。结果从糖耐量正常、糖耐量减低至糖尿病,随着糖代谢异常的加重,颈动脉内膜中层逐渐增厚(F=13.40,P<0.05)、baPWV逐渐升高(F=15.26,P<0.01),且两者变化之间呈正相关(r=0.856,P<0.01)。结论baPWV与IMT具有良好的相关性,二者均对了解糖尿病早期动脉硬化及其程度有一定的价值。     

Relationship of beta2-microglobulin to arterial stiffness in Japanese subjects.

Beta2-Microglobulin (beta2m) is related to inflammatory diseases, but there have been few reports of a relationship between beta2m and atherosclerosis. We have examined the influence of beta2m on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) to clarify whether it is related to arterial stiffness. baPWV, beta2m, C-reactive protein (CRP), and conventional risk factors were measured in 614 males and 158 females. The adjusted means of baPWV were compared with the quartiles of beta2m, and significant differences in baPWV were observed across the quartiles of beta2m (p = 0.037). After being adjusted for potential confounders, quartile 4 of beta2m, quartile 4 of CRP, and the combination of high beta2m plus high CRP were significantly associated with a high value of PWV (quartile 4 of beta2m: odds ratio [OR] 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-4.89; quartile 4 of CRP: OR 2.27, 95% CI, 1.18-4.34; high beta2m plus high CRP: OR 5.60, 95% CI, 2.38-13.2). These results suggest that beta2m is associated with an increase of arterial stiffness. Further studies are needed to clarify whether beta2m is related to atherosclerotic diseases, and whether the combination of beta2m and CRP measurement is a useful predictor for the development of atherosclerosis.     

生活方式干预对糖耐量异常者动脉内膜厚度及弹性的影响

目的探讨饮食、运动等生活方式干预对糖耐量异常者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度与臂踝脉搏波传导速度的影响。方法收集糖耐量异常者162例,随机分为78例对照组,84例干预组;对照组给予每3个月1次的糖尿病健康知识宣教(电话),干预组在此基础上进行为期24个月的生活方式干预,并每月随访1次。每例均采用超声及全自动动脉硬化仪测定颈动脉内膜中膜厚度与臂踝脉搏波传导速度。各组均进行前后自身对照和组间对照,并评价干预效果。结果经过24个月生活方式干预,干预组糖尿病累计发病率较对照组显著下降;干预组较干预前甘油三酯、口服糖耐量试验2 h血糖显著降低(P<0.05),其余指标经对比后差异无统计学意义;干预组与对照组比较,两组颈动脉内膜中膜厚度有显著性差异(P<0.05),除臂踝脉搏波传导速度、体质指数、高密度脂蛋白外,其余各项指标均有显著改善(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论生活方式干预能有效改善糖耐量异常患者的代谢状态,降低糖尿病发病率,并能延缓其血管病变的发展;强化生活方式干预应在糖耐量异常人群中大力推行。     

老年高血压患者肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉粥样硬化相关性的临床研究

目的探讨老年高血压患者肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法将136例老年观察对象分为老年高血压组（76例）和老年健康对照组（60例）。用欧姆龙动脉硬化检测仪检测肱踝脉搏波传导速度（brachialankle pulse wave velocity,baPWV）,彩色多普勒检测颈动脉内膜-中层厚度（carotid intimamediathickness,clMT）,对肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉粥样硬化进行相关性分析。结果老年高血压患者肱踝脉搏波传导速度、颈动脉内中膜厚度明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05o在控制了年龄、体重指数、高血脂等多种动脉粥样硬化危险因素后,肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉内中膜厚度仍然存在正相关性（r=0．452,P〈0．01）。结论老年高血压患者肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉粥样硬化关系密切;控制血压对于延缓老年患者动脉粥样硬化的进展,减少心脑血管事件的发生有着重要意义。     

Arterial pulse wave velocity as a marker of poor cognitive function in an elderly community-dwelling population

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline is limited at this time. The aim of this study was to determine the cross-sectional relationship between a low level of cognitive function and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in a community-dwelling elderly population. METHODS: The study population included 352 community-dwelling Japanese persons ages 70 years and older who participated in a comprehensive health examination in April 2003. None had any history of cardiovascular disease. In addition to conventional medical examinations such as blood pressure and routine blood analyses, cognitive function was tested using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and baPWV was determined using a recently developed noninvasive and automatic arterial waveform analyzer (AT-Form). This measure, with well-established validity and reproducibility, reflects both central and peripheral arterial flow. A multivariate logistic regression model tested the possible association between poor cognitive function (an MMSE score < 24) and baPWV. RESULTS: Poor cognitive function was independently associated with the middle tertile of baPWV (odds ratio [OR] = 9.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15 to 80.93), age (1-year increment; OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.22), and the highest tertile of pulse pressure (OR = 4.70, 95% CI = 1.08 to 20.48) even after multivariate adjustment of data for the effects of age, educational level, and hemodynamic and metabolic antecedents of atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: A high baPWV may be a potent risk factor for poor cognitive function in an elderly community-dwelling population, and this effect is independent of another marker of arterial stiffness: pulse pressure.     

长期睡眠不足人群中脉搏波传导速度与动脉粥样硬化危险因素的相关性研究

目的:研究长期睡眠不足人群中脉搏波传导速度与动脉粥样硬化危险因素的相关性,探讨肱-踝脉搏波传导速度(baPWV)早期预测长期睡眠不足人群中心脑血管事件发生的意义。方法:选择临床未检出患有心脑血管疾病的长期睡眠不足者(持续3个月每日睡眠时间<7h)120例,以睡眠充足(每日睡眠时间>7h)健康体检者110例为健康对照组。同时分别测定其血脂、血糖和胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)和baPWV,分析睡眠不足者baPWV与动脉粥样硬化危险因素间的相关性。结果:与健康对照组比较,睡眠不足组血压、TG、LDL-C、空腹血糖、IMT、HOMA-IR、baPWV均显著升高,HDL-C水平显著降低(P<0.05或<0.01),且baPWV和BMI、SBP、DBP、TC、TG、LDL-C、空腹血糖、HOMA-IR、颈动脉IMT和睡眠不足病程呈显著正相关(r=0.231~0.784,P<0.05或<0.01),多元逐步回归分析发现SBP、baPWV是影响长期睡眠不足人群颈动脉IMT的独立危险因素(OR=1.117、1.158,P=0.013、0.001)。结论:睡眠不足人群中baPWV与颈动脉内膜中层厚度呈显著正相关,提示baPWV对于预测长期失眠人群发生动脉粥样硬化及心脑血管事件有重要临床意义。     

The Relationship between Coronary Artery Calcification as Assessed by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography and Arterial Stiffness

Pulse wave analysis and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery are the non-invasive indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) score measured by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is well known as a predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). We investigated the association between coronary calcification assessed by MDCT and extracoronary atherosclerosis measured by pulse wave analysis and IMT of carotid artery. Arterial stiffness and carotid IMT were measured consecutively in 133 patients who underwent their first coronary MDCT angiography due to chest pain. Patients were divided into three groups according to the CAC score (group 1, score = 0, n = 62; group 2, 0 < score < 400, n = 58; group 3, score ≥ 400, n = 13). The classification of CAC score was associated with age, prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, percentage of brachial mean artery pressure, upstroke time (UT), augmentation index, and carotid IMT. In a multivariate analysis, age (P = .048), hypertension (P = .007), dyslipidemia (P = .24), and mean ankle UT (P = .038) were independent variables for the classification of CAC score. The UT of pulse wave was significantly associated with the CAC score. The increased UT of pulse wave might provide incremental risk prediction in addition to that defined by conventional CHD risk assessment.     

The Relationship between coronary artery calcification as assessed by multi-detector computed tomography and arterial stiffness

Pulse wave analysis and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery are the non-invasive indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) score measured by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is well known as a predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). We investigated the association between coronary calcification assessed by MDCT and extracoronary atherosclerosis measured by pulse wave analysis and IMT of carotid artery. Arterial stiffness and carotid IMT were measured consecutively in 133 patients who underwent their first coronary MDCT angiography due to chest pain. Patients were divided into three groups according to the CAC score (group 1, score = 0, n = 62; group 2, 0 < score < 400, n = 58; group 3, score ≥ 400, n = 13). The classification of CAC score was associated with age, prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, percentage of brachial mean artery pressure, upstroke time (UT), augmentation index, and carotid IMT. In a multivariate analysis, age (P = .048), hypertension (P = .007), dyslipidemia (P = .24), and mean ankle UT (P = .038) were independent variables for the classification of CAC score. The UT of pulse wave was significantly associated with the CAC score. The increased UT of pulse wave might provide incremental risk prediction in addition to that defined by conventional CHD risk assessment.     

老年人脉搏波速度与颈动脉内膜厚度的相关性

目的 分析老年人臂踝脉搏波速度(baPWV)与颈动脉内膜-中层厚度(IMT)的相关性.方法 选择年龄60～89岁、平均(71±6)岁人员为研究对象,共纳入450例,其中男性234例,女性216例.所有受检对象均签署知情同意书,进行baPWV、IMT、身高、体质量、腰围、血压、心率等一般指标的检测.分析baPwV与颈动脉...     

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.     

Associations of plasma homocysteine levels with arterial stiffness in prehypertensive individuals

Prehypertension is associated with oxidative stress and increased arterial stiffness. While plasma homocysteine levels are associated with increased pulse wave velocity in hypertensive individuals, there is no report regarding this relationship in prehypertensives. Homocysteine levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were investigated in 4177 prehypertensives (3178 men, mean age 53 ± 11 years) with ankle-brachial indexes (ABIs) greater than 0.95 who had visited the Kangbuk Samsung Health Promotion Center. The subjects were subdivided into two groups according to baPWV; group I (1720 subjects) was defined as subjects with a baPWV of 1366 cm/sec or lower, while group II (2457 subjects) included subjects with a baPWV greater than 1366 cm/sec. Subjects were also divided into four quartile groups depending on homocysteine level. Homocysteine levels in group II were found to be significantly higher than those in group I. There were significant differences in baPWV value among the four quartile groups (quartile I, 1411 ± 213.9 cm/sec; quartile II, 1436 ± 223.3 cm/sec; quartile III, 1460 ± 220.4 cm/sec; quartile IV, 1494 ± 251.3 cm/sec; p-value <0.001). In multivariate regression models, the increasing quartile groups of homocysteine had higher odds ratios (ORs) for increased baPWV compared to that of the lowest quartile group (OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] in the second, third, and highest quartiles: 1.41 [1.12-1.77], 1.65 [1.30-2.10], and 1.82 [1.42-2.33], respectively, p < 0.001), irrespective of confounding factors. This study indicates an independent relationship between circulating homocysteine level and arterial stiffness in prehypertensives, suggesting that circulating homocysteine level could be a useful biomarker of subclinical target organ damage in prehypertensives.     

Associations of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and carotid atherosclerotic lesions with silent cerebral lesions.

Silent cerebral lesions are increasingly found in mass screenings using MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The purpose of this paper is to assess the usefulness of two non-invasive clinical tests-carotid ultrasound examination and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement-for predicting silent cerebral infarction (SCI) and silent intracranial arterial stenosis. Data were collected on 480 asymptomatic adult subjects who participated in a brain screening program at a single hospital between April 2003 and March 2006. All participants underwent baPWV measurement, B-mode ultrasonography of carotid arteries, MRI, and MRA. Data on 476 (99.1%) subjects were included in the analysis. Among these, 273 (57.4%) were male and the mean age was 51.5 years; 161 (33.8%) had carotid plaque; 33 (6.9%) had increased intima-media thickness (IMT); 99 (20.8%) had SCI; and 7 (1.5%) had intracranial arterial stenosis. The multivariate analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.17), carotid plaque (OR: 2.69; 1.59-4.56), increased IMT (OR: 2.40; 1.02-5.65), and a history of hypertension treatment (OR 2.22; 1.11-4.43) were significantly associated with SCI. Also, increased IMT (OR 9.70: 1.48-63.71) was related to intracranial arterial stenosis. Brachial-ankle PWV was related to SCI (p<0.01) and intracranial stenosis (p=0.01) in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. The presence of carotid plaque and that of increased IMT on ultrasound examination are useful for assessing the risk of SIC. Increased IMT is also predictive of intracranial arterial stenosis.     

Arterial Stiffness is Associated with Intracranial Arterial Stenosis other than Dolichoectasia in the General Population

Aims: The relationship between central arterial stiffness and aging-related intracranial arteriopathy is not well investigated in the general population. In a population-based study, we investigated arterial stiffness in relation to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and intracranial arterial dolichoectasia.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analysis on 1,123 subjects (aged 56.0 ± 9.3 years, 37.9% men) of the population-based Shunyi study in China. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis and intracranial arterial dolichoectasia were evaluated via brain magnetic resonance angiography. Multivariate regression models were constructed to investigate the association between baPWV and intracranial large artery diseases.Results: Increased baPWV was significantly associated with higher prevalence of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (odds ratio for the highest quartile of baPWV compared with the lowest quartile, 3.66 [95% confidence interval, 1.57–8.54]), after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate analysis. BaPWV was not associated with the presence of basilar artery dolichoectasia and dilation of basilar artery and internal carotid artery. When the diameters of intracranial arteries were regarded as continuous variables, increased baPWV was inversely related to the internal carotid artery diameter in fully adjusted models (β ± SE, −0.083 ± 0.042, p = 0.047).Conclusions: This population-based study demonstrates that arterial stiffness was more likely associated with intracranial stenotic arteriopathy other than intracranial dilative arteriopathy.     

Higher brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with more advanced carotid atherosclerosis in end-stage renal disease.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is a new measure of arterial stiffness. We examined whether higher brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with more advanced carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with end-stage renal disease, and whether this effect would be mediated by the influence of wave reflection on central arterial pressure. In 68 patients with end stage renal disease, we examined blood pressures, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and the augmentation index of the left common carotid artery, a measure of the impact of wave reflection on the systolic peak in central arteries. The degree of carotid atherosclerosis was quantified by a plaque score and maximum intimal-medial thickness. Echocardiography was used to determine the left ventricular mass index. In simple regression analysis, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was correlated with both plaque score and maximum intimal-medial thickness (r = 0.420, p < 0.001 and r = 0.452, p < 0.0005, respectively) but not with left ventricular mass index. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the plaque score or maximum intimal-medial thickness as the dependent variable and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and known clinical risk factors as the independent variables. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was an independent risk factor for both plaque score (beta = 0.006, p = 0.004) and maximum intimal-medial thickness (beta = 0.008, p = 0.04). Independent risk factors for left ventricular mass index were left ventricular diastolic dimension (beta = 3.509, p = 0.000007) and augmentation index (beta = 0.580, p = 0.04). The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was unrelated to augmentation index in patients with end stage renal disease. In conclusion, higher brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was found to be a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with end-stage renal disease; this effect was independent of the influence of wave reflection on central arterial pressure. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was unrelated to left ventricular structure.     

Association between hemodynamics in the common carotid artery and severity of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque burden evaluated by B-mode ultrasound have been used as relevant indicators for carotid atherosclerosis. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between hemodynamic parameters in the common carotid artery (CCA) and the severity of carotid atherosclerosis in untreated hypertensive patients. METHODS: Carotid IMT and plaque burden were evaluated in bilateral CCA, bifurcations, external and internal carotid arteries using duplex ultrasound in 80 untreated hypertensive patients. The patients were divided into four groups according to plaque burden. Hemodynamic parameters of CCA, including peak and mean circumferential wall tension (CWT), tensile stress (TS), wall shear stress (WSS), and Young's elastic modulus (YEM), were calculated after measurements of internal diameter (ID), IMT, and peak and mean flow velocities of CCA. Arterial stiffness was also assessed using the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). RESULTS: Age, pulse pressure, creatinine, carotid IMT, and mean TS were shown to have significant differences among the four plaque groups (P < 0.05). Peak CWT and peak TS were also shown to have marginal differences. In univariate analysis, the peak and mean CWT and TS were significantly correlated with plaque score. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that carotid IMT, age, and peak CWT were independently associated with plaque score. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the CWT and TS of the CCA are associated with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis in untreated hypertensive patients. Hence, the hemodynamics of vessels may contribute to the plaque burden of low-resistance arteries.     

Prehypertension is associated with atherosclerosis in Type 2 diabetes

Background: Prehypertension is a risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between prehypertension and atherosclerosis in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been evaluated. In the present study, we investigated the impact of prehypertension on atherosclerosis in T2DM. Methods: Patients (n = 930) with T2DM were recruited for the present study from the outpatient clinic of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. The intima–media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) was determined using ultrasound and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was determined by volume plethysmography to assess atherosclerosis. Results: Of the 930 patients with T2DM (mean age of 59 years), 167 were categorized as normotensive, 213 were prehypertensive, and 550 were hypertensive. Diabetic subjects with prehypertension had significantly higher CCA‐IMT and baPWV than those with normal blood pressure after adjustment for age and gender. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with normotension, prehypertension was a significant independent determinant of atherosclerosis (for maximum IMT ≥1.1 mm, odds ratio (OR) 2.10 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–3.44; for baPWV ≥1400 cm/s, OR 3.09 and 95% CI 1.78–5.36). Conclusion: Prehypertension is associated with atherosclerosis independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM patients. We speculate that maintenance of systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <80 mmHg may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in T2DM.     

Relationships between echocardiographic findings, pulse wave velocity, and carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationships between echocardiographic findings, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, and carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. In 70 type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease, pulse wave velocity was measured using an automatic waveform analyzer, and the carotid plaque score was obtained by carotid ultrasonography. The left ventricular wall thickness and the indexes of left ventricular diastolic function (the peak velocity of early rapid filling [E velocity], the peak velocity of atrial filling [A velocity], and the E/A ratio) were obtained by echocardiography. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity correlated significantly with the carotid plaque score, but the correlation was weak (r=0.37, p=0.001). The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity demonstrated a strong correlation with the A velocity (r=0.73, p<0.001), the ratio of E to A (E/A) (r=-0.63, p<0.001), and the deceleration time of the E velocity (r=0.48, p<0.001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the A velocity (beta coefficient=0.42, p<0.001) and ventricular septal thickness at the left ventricular outflow tract (beta coefficient=0.27, p=0.001) were independently associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that ventricular septal thickness at the left ventricular outflow tract (beta coefficient=0.38, p=0.001) was independently associated with the plaque score. These results indicate that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction as revealed by increased peak velocity of atrial filling reflects arterial stiffening in type 2 diabetic patients. In addition, myocardial wall thickening at the left ventricular outflow tract reflects not only arterial stiffening but also carotid atherosclerosis. Therefore, these abnormal echocardiographic findings of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and myocardial wall thickening may be useful markers of the presence of progressive arteriosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients.     

White blood cell subsets are associated with carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity in an older Chinese population: the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

Cross-sectional associations between white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte and granulocyte numbers, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) were examined in a novel older Chinese community sample. A total of 817 men and 760 women from a sub-study of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study had a full blood count measured by an automated hematology analyzer, carotid IMT by B-mode ultrasonography and brachial-ankle PWV by a non-invasive automatic waveform analyzer. Following adjustment for confounders, WBC count (β=0.07, P<0.001) and granulocyte (β=0.07, P<0.001) number were significantly positively related to PWV, but not lymphocyte number. Similarly, WBC count (β=0.08, P=0.03), lymphocyte (β=0.08, P=0.002) and granulocyte (β=0.03, P=0.04) number were significantly positively associated with carotid IMT, but only the association with lymphocyte count survived correction for other cardiovascular risk factors. In conclusion, higher WBC, particularly lymphocyte and granulocyte, count could be used, respectively, as markers of cardiovascular disease risk, measured through indicators of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness. The associations for WBC count previously observed by others were likely driven by higher granulocytes; an index of systemic inflammation.     

老年动脉弹性与颈动脉粥样硬化相关性研究

目的:探讨老年人动脉弹性与动脉粥样硬化之间的关系。方法:本研究入选314例老年人,采用日本产全自动动脉硬化测定仪同步记录两侧肱动脉-踝动脉脉搏波传导速度(baPWV)作为反映大动脉弹性的指标,应用颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)、颈动脉斑块的有无估计动脉粥样硬化的严重程度。结果:合并高血压患者颈动脉斑块的发生率显著高于未合并高血压组(P<0．05);baPWV在颈动脉斑块组与颈动脉无斑块组存在显著差异(P<0．001); baPWV与颈动脉IMT呈正相关(r=0.42,P<0．001);Logistic回归分析表明年龄、PWV与颈动脉斑块密切相关 (P<0．05-<0．01)。结论:动脉弹性是反应血管亚临床病变的指标,与颈动脉粥样硬化的严重程度密切相关,可作为预测颈动脉粥样硬化程度的指标之一。