Quantitative detection of carotid artery elasticity by echo-tracking technique for male pilots

Objective To investigate quantitative detection of the carotid elasticity of male pilots in different age groups by using echo-tracking (ET) technique. Methods The carotid arteries were detected by ET technique in 72 male pilots who were divided into 3 groups according to age. The elasticity values, including stiffness parameter (β), pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep), arterial compliance (AC) and pulse wave velocity calculated from β value (PWVβ) were analyzed by t test.The elasticity values and flying hours were also processed by variance analysis among 3 groups. The influence of age and flying hours to elasticity values was resolved by linear correlation and partial correlation analysis. Results There was no difference on elasticity values of bilateral carotid. The arterial stiffness indices, such as β, Ep and PWVβ in each group, were lower than those by the normal measuring, but AC value was higher. By comparing with control group, the carotid elasticity values had statistical difference in 20-29 yrs and 30-30 yrs groups, but for 40-49 yrs group comparison there was no significant difference (t= 2. 061-6. 712, P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Linear correlation analysis showed that age and flying hours appeared significant and positive correlation to β, Ep and PWVβ in 30-39 yrs group. In 20-29 and 30-39 yrs groups, age was significantly and positively correlated to flying hours (r=0. 655, 0. 723, P=0. 001, 0. 000). In 30-39 yrs group β and Ep were positively correlated with age based on partial correlation analysis (r= 0. 516, 0. 452, P= 0. 007, 0. 020), which meant that β and Ep significantly increased with age. Conclusions For male pilot age expresses greater influence than flying hours to carotid artery elasticity. Quantitatively detecting male pilot's carotid artery elasticity by ET technique will contribute to the delermination of pilot's artery functional status. Key words: Ultrasonography ;  Carotid arteries ;  Elasticity ;