Evaluation of intima-media thickness and vascular elasticity of the common carotid artery in patients with isolated systolic hypertension using ultrasound radiofrequency-data technology

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) data technology is a newly developed method to evaluate vascular disease, especially subclinical atherosclerotic change. Data regarding predictors of intima‐media thickness (IMT) and vascular elasticity of the common carotid artery (CCA) in subjects with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) using ultrasound RF‐data technology are scarce. Aims: We evaluated the change in IMT and vascular elasticity of the CCA in patients with ISH at an early phase using US RF‐data technology. Methods: Thirty‐nine patients with ISH and 41 age‐matched control subjects were the study population. The common carotid arterial systolic diameter (Ds), diastolic diameter (Dd), IMT, carotid distensibility (CD), local pulse wave velocity (PWVβ) and stiffness (β) were compared between the two groups, as were correlations between pulse pressure (PP) and parameters of vascular stiffness. Results: Common carotid arterial Ds, Dd, IMT, PWVβ and β increased whereas CD decreased more significantly in the ISH group than in age‐matched controls. The level of PP in the ISH group had significant positive correlations with PWVβ (r = 0·298, P<0·05) and β (r = 0·291, P<0·05), whereas significant correlations with CD were not observed. Conclusions: US RF‐data technology could be used to accurately and quantitatively evaluate increased IMT and decreased arterial elasticity of the CCA in patients with ISH compared with normal subjects.