Effect of nifedipine administration on pulse wave velocity (PWV) of chronic hemodialysis patients—2-year trial

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is known to reflect the stiffness of the aorta [2,7], one of the major features of atherosclerosis. To clarify the severity and progression mechanism of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients and the preventive effect of nifedipine, PWV was annually measured for 2 years, and the change of PWV and contributory factors were analyzed. PWV in hemodialysis patients was faster than in age-matched normal controls. PWV was correlated with the duration of hemodialysis. ΔPWV, which is obtained from the difference in PWV over 1 year, was positively correlated with age, high blood pressure, and serum cholesterol levels and was negatively correlated with HDL levels. The Ca×Pi value was also positively correlated with ΔPWV. Nifedipine was administered to 47 patients for 2 years, and the change of PWV was compared with age-matched control hemodialysis patients. The PWV of the control group was gradually increased by 10%. The PWV of the group given nifedipine decreased by 2%. These results suggested that administration of nifedipine may prevent the progression of PWV in hemodialysis patients and may decrease the progression of atherosclerosis.