Factors associated to arterial stiffness in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease

Abstract Objectives To identify the clinical factors associated with arterial stiffness in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 181 patients (67% male; mean aged 66 ± 9 years) were recruited and had their central arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Clinical characteristics as socio-demographic, body mass index, comorbid conditions and walking capacity. Results Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (b=0.182, p=0.032), body mass index (b=0.254, p=0.002), mean blood pressure (b=0.249, p=0.021) were positively associated with cf-PWV. Conclusion Our results showed that the aging, elevated body mass index and blood pressure are clinical factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral artery disease.