Assessment of the relationship between aortic pulse wave velocity and aortic arch calcification

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to assess arterial stiffness parameters and to investigate the relationship between these parameters and aortic calcification in patients with aortic arch calcification and without symptomatic atherosclerotic disease.

STUDY DESIGN
The population of this study consisted of 41 patients with aortic arch calcification verified by chest X-ray (group I, 17 males, mean age 70±5 years) and individuals without aortic arch calcification (group II, 17 males, mean age 68±6 years). Subjects with symptomatic or known vascular disease were excluded from the study. The arterial stiffness parameters of all subjects were measured non-invasively with a SphygmoCor device. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AIx) and heart rate normalized augmentation index (AIx@75) were used as parameters of arterial stiffness.

RESULTS
The two groups were compared according to demographic characteristics, medications currently being taken, and levels of serum lipids. There was no significant difference between the groups. AP in group I was significantly higher than that of group II (p=0.002). AIx and AIx@75 were similar in both groups. Aortic PWV of group I was significantly higher than that of group II (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION
According to the results of this study, the presence of aortic calcification, verified by chest radiography, was associated with increased aortic PWV.