2011 Volume 51 Issue 10 Pages 910-918
Background: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a new measure of arterial stiffness. A recent study has shown that 1700cm/sec or higher baPWV predicts total mortality in the general population. Age and blood pressure strongly correlate with the baPWV. It remains unclear, however, if psycho-behavioral factors could affect the baPWV independent of traditional risk factors. Methods: We measured baPWV, blood pressures and heart rate in 526 patients with hypertension (58.6±12.3 years, 307 male). Lipid and sugar metabolisms were examined by fasting blood. The degrees of type A behavior, statetrait anxiety and depression were measured by self-reported questionnaires. The relationship between psycho-behavioral characteristics and the baPWV was examined in the old (60yrs or older) and young (less than 60yrs) groups for both genders. Results: Age, systolic blood pressures and heart rate were independent determinants for the baPWV in all groups. In addition, the state of anxiety was an independent modulator for the baPWV in old women group (p<0.05). The odds ratio of having 1700cm/sec or higher baPWV in moderate, high, and highest state of anxiety groups was 1.80 (95% CI; 0.45-7.14), 2.20 (95% CI; 0.53-8.98), and 4.36 (95% CI; 0.94-20.30), respectively, in reference to low state of anxiety group. No other psycho-behavioral characteristics were related to the baPWV in any group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the state of anxiety is an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness in old women with hypertension.
