Pulse wave velocity was elevated in both hypertensive groups compared to normotensive controls, while pulse pressure/stroke volume index was highest in patients with systolic hypertension.
Observational (n=66)
Arterial compliance as estimated by pulse wave velocity and the pulse pressure/stroke volume index was evaluated in 27 normotensive subjects, 21 patients with established, and 18 patients with systolic essential hypertension. Pulse wave velocity was elevated to the same degree in both hypertensive groups when compared to the normotensive controls. The pulse pressure/stroke volume index was higher in essential hypertension than in normotensive subjects and even higher in patients with systolic hypertension. It is concluded that both indices are useful clinical tools to determine arterial compliance. Systolic hypertension does not always indicate stiffening of the arterial tree, but may result from a high stroke volume in the presence of a normal arterial compliance.
Messerli et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Systolic hypertension (n=66). Pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure/stroke volume index vs. Normotensive controls was evaluated on Arterial compliance. Pulse wave velocity was elevated in both hypertensive groups compared to normotensive controls, while pulse pressure/stroke volume index was highest in patients with systolic hypertension.