Assessment of Pulse Wave Velocity and Augmentation Index in different arteries in patients with severe coronary heart disease

The aim of this study was to assess pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index in different arteries in patients with severe coronary heart disease (CHD). Signal measurements were obtained from 28 subjects. Severe coronary heart disease was confirmed by coronary angiography. Aortic PWV and augmentation Index were measured using the TENSIOMed Arteriograph. Four other pulse wave velocities (upper limb PWVx, upper limb PWV2, upper limb PWV3 and lower limb PWV) were obtained using PowerLab 4/20T device. It was found that aortic PWV was significantly increased in the CHD group compared with that in the control group (P<0.01). Augmentation index was significantly increased in the CHD group compared with the control group (P<0.01). This study shows the strong association of aortic stiffness and atherosclerosis. Pulse wave analysis can provide inexpensive and noninvasive means for studying changes in the elastic properties of the vascular system with the coronary heart disease.