Small but not large artery compliance predicts cardiovascular events

The relationship of arterial compliance to cardiovascular outcome is not well studied. We were able to measure small and large artery compliance (by non-invasively obtained radial artery pulse contour analysis) and determine outcomes (by self-administered questionnaire) in 419 eligible subjects (61%) recruited for various studies at the University of MN (follow-up time 1–7 years). New or second cardiovascular events included myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, death, transient ischemic attack, angina, coronary or peripheral angioplasty, and coronary artery or peripheral bypass graft. Of the 419 analyzed, 168 subjects (41%) had cardiovascular events, and 251 subjects had no events. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the probability of having event as a function of age and compliance. The mean C1 (large artery compliance) and C2 (small artery compliance) were 1.49 and 0.05ml/mmHg respectively. The odds ratio for having an event, after adjusting for age, was 0.67 for someone with a C2 that was 0.02 units higher (p<.001). Large artery compliance did not predict outcome, but was associated with age. These data provide evidence that small artery, but not large artery compliance is associated with cardiovascular disease incidence. (See Table) Goodness of Fit; p=0.404 Area Under ROC Curve = 0.784 Goodness of Fit; p=0.404 Area Under ROC Curve = 0.784