Evaluation of Arteriosclerosis by the Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity(baPWV)

Abstract

It has been recognized that brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV)is a marker related to the severity atherosclerosis[Yamashina A(2003), Hypertens.Res., Yamashina A(2002), Hypertens.Res.]. Increased baPWV is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease [Yamashina A(2002),Hypertens.Res.].So, in this study, we examined the PWV of brachial-ankle in order to evaluate the arterial stiffness as the marker among young and old men. For this study, 6 young adults aged 28 to 35 years old (Y) and 6 old adults aged 60 to 66 years(O) volunteered. Total peripheral resistance(TRP) during rest in a supine position was significantly higher in the O group than that in the Y group. And baPWV showed significantly higher in the O group than that in the Y group. But systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP), mean blood pressure(MBP) and pulse pressure(PP) in the O group were higher than in the Y group, but they were not statistically significant. The correlation between baPWV and PP was statistically significant in the O group(r=0.878,p<0.05). Especially higher baPWV and TPR in the O group might imply the arterial stiffness. These results would suggest that arterial stiffness increased in old people.