Correlation between pulse wave velocity and carotid atherosclerosis in high-normal blood pressure population

Objective To explore the correlation between the change of large arterial compliance and carotid atherosclerosis in high-normal blood pressure population. Methods 1600 subjects were selected randomly and were divided into 4 groups according to the level of blood pressure(high-normal blood pressure group 1,group 2, hypertension and normal blood pressure group), and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity(BaPWV), ankle-brachial index(ABI), carotid arteries intima media thickness(IMT) and plaque were observed. Results(1) BaPWV increased with the increase of blood pressure.BaPWV was(1369.3±191.89)cm/s,(1489.0±218.04)cm/s,(1598.1±266.42) cm/s,(1747.1±342.65)cm/s respectively in four groups(the normal blood pressure group, high-normal blood pressure group 1, the blood pressure high-normal group 2 and hypertension group), and were compared between each two groups(P0.01).(2) The rate of IMT thickening and incidence of carotid plaques in high-normal blood pressure group 1 and 2, compared with the normal group(34.5%) and hypertension(54.5%)showed statistical difference(P0.05 or P0.01).(3) PWV in people with or without carotid plaques increased with elevated blood pressure, and there were statistically significant differences between groups(P0.01); PWV were increased in each blood pressure group with carotid plaques than those without(P0.01).(4) Multiple regression analysis showed that gender, age groups, smoking, high cholesterol, BaPWV, blood pressure classification and carotid artery intima-media thickness, plaque formation was closely related, OR values were 0.395, 1, 3.445, 7.054, 21.30, 17.782, 1.388, 1.293, 1.397, 1, 1.192, 1.212, 1.772, respectively. Conclusions BaPWV is positively correlated with carotid artery IMT thickening, plaque formation, suggesting BaPWV can be simple and effective assessment indicator of arterial stiffness for prehypertension. The combination BaPWV and carotid ultrasound may improve assessment of the degree of atherosclerosis and risk prediction, as well as provide the basis for early intervention of prehypertension and reducing the incidence of hypertension.