Changes in Ankle Brachial Pulse Wave Velocity during a Five-Year Follow-up Period in Older Japanese Adults: Sub-analysis Results of the Health Research Volunteer Study in Japan

OBJECTIVE: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness. However, precisely how aging, hypertension and other factors influence this in progressively stiffening large arteries, especially in older adults, remains uncertain. We examined changes in arterial stiffness in a population of active older Japanese adults using a five-year follow-up cohort study. METHODS: Comprehensive geriatric assessments were performed in socially active adults over the age of 70 years at The Life Planning Center Clinic in Tokyo. Clinically acceptable baPWV measurements at baseline and at the end of the study were obtained in 257 individuals (115 men, baseline mean age of 78±4 years; 142 women, baseline mean age of 77±4 years) classified into four groups based on the use of antihypertensive interventions at the end of the study: Group 1 (112 normotensives), Group 2 (49 hypertensives without medication use), Group 3 (39 hypertensives with medication use initiated during the follow-up period) and Group 4 (57 hypertensives receiving medications throughout the follow-up period). RESULTS: During the follow-up period, Group 1 exhibited no changes in blood pressure with increases in baPWV. Group 2 exhibited increases in blood pressure and baPWV. Both Groups 3 and 4 exhibited decreases in blood pressure without any changes in baPWV. Other factors such as age, gender and the hemoglobin level could also have influenced baPWV. CONCLUSION: Arterial stiffness increases with aging; however, antihypertensive medications were found to provide protective effects against the development of arterial stiffness during a five-year follow-up period. Other factors that modify baPWV were also identified.