ANALIZA ARTERIJSKE ELASTIČNOSTI NA UZORKU OPĆE POPULACIJE I U BOLESNIKA S OPSTRUKCIJSKOM APNEJOM TIJEKOM SPAVANJA

Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardivascular risk easily assesed with non-invasive methods. In a general population sample (n=1012) we compared the agreement of arterial stiffness indices measured by the methods of tonometry and oscillometry. Augmentation index and central systolic pressure were analysed. Despite a good inital corelation between the devices (SphygmoCor – tonometry and Arteriograph – oscilometry), a graphic comparison of the augmentation index reaveald an uneven deviation from the referent line of agreement. A detailed analisys of this finding confirmed the devices as not interchangeble because they seem to be differently influenced by predictors of arterial stiffness, predominately by age. Secondly, examined was aplicability of normative equations for central augmentation index (cAIx) derived from Danish population with low cardiovascular risk on the corresponding Croatian population from the Mediterranean area. Both, cAIx-age distribution and normative equation fitted on Croatian data were highly comparable to Danish sample. However, the equations do not equally hold true across age ranges and tolerate rather wide range of individual variability in cAIx values. If designed for narrower age groups, the equations' sensitivity in detecting vascular phenotypes at risk could be improved, the impact of difference in sampling frame largely reduced and applicability on different populations facilitated. Finally, on a selected cohort of obstructive sleep apnea patients (n=38) we evaluated effects of a long term adaptive positive air presseure therapy on arterial stiffness during one year follow-up. Relative to the inital values a significant reduction in pulse wave velocity and central systolic pressure was observed. Majority of the effects occured during the first 6 months of therapy.