Pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index and carotid intima-media thickness measurement in the assessment of vascular status in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension

Objective To evaluate the relation of circadian blood pressure rhythm with vascular status in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Methods Ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured in 74 elderly patients with non-dipper hypertension (non-dipper group), 78 elderly patients with dipper hypertension (dipper group), and 72 healthy controls (control group). Results In comparison with the dipper group, baPWV and IMT of the non-dipper group were significantly increased [baPWV (1801.61±314.27) vs (1658.67±274.80) (cm/s)], P 1400 cm/s (χ2=12.57, P<0.01) or ABI<0.9 (χ2=9.74, P<0.01). The detection of carotid plaques was also significantly different (χ2=16.49, P<0.01). Conclusions These findings suggest that vascular damage could be found in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension, especially in those with non-dipper hypertension.ABI, baPWV and IMT measurement may be helpful for the assessment of vascular status. Key words: Health management; Hypertension; Atherosclerosis; Blood pressure circadian rhythm