Arterial elasticity among normotensive subjects and treated and untreated hypertensive subjects

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine arterial elasticity in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. BACKGROUND: In addition to blood pressure, other parameters serve as markers for vascular disease. Arterial elasticity is one parameter that can be determined by a modified Windkessel model of the circulation. This model estimates, from a computerized pulse contour analysis, the proximal (capacitive) elasticity of the large arteries and the distal (reflective) elasticity of the small arteries. METHODS: A prospective, multi-center, controlled clinical study evaluated large-artery and small-artery elasticity indices in four groups: (1) normotensives without a family history of hypertension; (2) normotensives with a family history of hypertension; (3) treated and controlled hypertensives; and (4) untreated and uncontrolled hypertensives. Blood pressure, using a mercury manometer, and arterial elasticity, using a CVProfilor DO-2020 CardioVascular Profiling System (Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc., Eagan, MN, USA), were measured supine in triplicate 3 min apart in a randomized sequence. RESULTS: There were 212 evaluable subjects of mean age 46 years; 57% were women, 51% Caucasian and 33% African-American. Comparing normotensives without a family history and untreated hypertensives, both large-artery and small-artery elasticity indices were significantly different (P < 0.0001). After controlling for age and body surface area, a significant linear trend (P = 0.0001) across the four groups was detected for both large- and small-artery elasticity indices. CONCLUSION: As the hypertension status worsened, large- and small-artery elasticity indices decreased, suggesting a potential for the diagnostic use of arterial elasticity determinations.