Pulse pressure amplification and its determinants.

Background. Pulse pressure (PP) amplification expressed as the peripheral-to-central PP ratio has gained importance in the assessment of cardiovascular phenotypes and cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between PP amplification, large vessel parameters and peripheral blood pressure (BP) to gain insights into the amplification phenomenon. Methods. Peripheral BP, central BP and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were assessed using the OMRON M6, SphygmoCor and Complior devices, respectively, in 741 adults attending the hypertension outpatient clinic. Analysis of covariance, partial correlations and multiple linear regression models were performed to assess the relationship between PP amplification, peripheral BP and cfPWV. Results. PP amplification was inversely related to BP group. Women showed lower PP amplification than men (1.24 ± 0.18 and 1.35 ± 0.18, respectively, p < 0.001). Age, female gender and mean arterial pressure were inversely associated w...