2026 年 10 巻 1 号 p. 19-23
Background:
Interarm systolic blood pressure difference caused by arterial arteriosclerosis is an important biomarker for predicting cardiovascular prognosis. Adults with congenital heart disease commonly develop arteriosclerosis. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and significance of interarm systolic blood pressure differences in adults with congenital heart disease.
Methods and Results:
We enrolled 75 adults with congenital heart disease who had never undergone surgery involving the subclavian arteries. An interarm systolic blood pressure difference ≥10 mmHg was considered to be a significant difference. We also evaluated aortic pressure wave reflection using the augmentation index, a biomarker of arteriosclerosis, and examined the relationship between the degree of arteriosclerosis judged by the augmentation index and the interarm systolic blood pressure difference. Eight patients (11%) exhibited an interarm systolic blood pressure difference. No differences were found in body mass index, hemoglobin A1 level, or lipid profile between patients with and without interarm systolic blood pressure differences. The sensitivity and specificity of the interarm systolic blood difference to the radial augmentation index ≥1 standard deviation of age- and sex-matched controls were 19% and 94%, respectively.
Conclusions:
In adults with congenital heart disease, the prevalence of significant interarm systolic blood pressure differences is high, with few false positives for arteriosclerosis.
