Do Different Arterial Stiffness Parameters Provide Similar Information in High-Risk Patients for Coronary Artery Disease?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to compare the values of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured with two different non-invasive methods as predictors of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who had undergone coronary angiography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS From 6373 patients who visited our laboratory for non-invasive procedures, we enrolled 965 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Data for baPWV and peripheral augmentation index (pAI) were recorded. CAD was defined as greater than 50% stenosis of a major epicardial artery in a coronary angiogram. In addition, the severity of CAD was classified as: none/minimal or 1-, 2-, or 3-vessel disease, based on previous or current angiographic findings. RESULTS Among 965 subjects, the mean age was 63.7±11.6 years, and 58.2% were male. Compared with subjects without CAD disease, those with CAD showed higher values of baPWV (16.6±3.5 m/sec vs. 15.9±3.4 m/sec, p<0.001), and lower values of pAI (73.5±15.9% vs. 76.0±15.7%, p=0.01). When the severity of CAD was expressed as none/minimal or 1-, 2-, or 3-vessel disease, there was a significant association between the extent of CAD and baPWV (p<0.001). In univariate analysis, high PWV and low pAI were associated with an increased prevalence of CAD (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Increased baPWV and decreased pAI were associated with the presence of CAD in the elderly.