Clinical relevance of central systolic blood pressure and augmentation index : comparison with carotid echo parameters

Introduction: Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP)and augmentation index (Al),the parameters of arterial stiffness. are obtained through pulse wave analysis. Recently these parameters have been a focus of increasing attention. We studied the relationship of cSBP and AI with the indices determined by carotid artery ultrasonography, namely carotid intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), plaque score (PS)and plaque number (PN).Methods:A total of 141 consecutive subjects underwent radial applanation tonometric measurement of cSBP and AI at the wrist and B-mode ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries for CCA-IMT.Results: AI and cSBP showed a good correlation with increasing age. MT was well correlated with both AI and cSBP (r=0.23, p<0.01 and r=0.37, p<0. 001, respectively). Females showed higher AI and cSBP values and better correlation with IMT than males (r=0.45 versus 0.29 and 0.32 versus 0. 21, respectively. p<0.01).PS and PN did not show significant correlation with AI and cSBP. Analysis of differences in AI and cSBP values between the subjects with and without a history of cerebrovascular disease (CVD)revealed no significant correlation.Conclusion: CCA-IMT is significantly correlated with arterial stiffness parameters, AI and cSBP. However, further validation of the results will be necessary.