Age-related changes in the elastic properties of the aortic tree in normotensive patients: investigation by intravascular ultrasound.
The arterial wall structure degenerates with increasing age, elastin fibers decrease while collagen increases. We investigated the elastic properties of the aorta and iliac arteries to determine the relationship between aging and arterial mechanics. The regional elasticity of the aorta and iliac arteries was determined at five different sites in 40 normotensive patients aged 32 to 78 years. A combined procedure for arterial blood pressure measurement and arterial cross-sectional area determination was employed to calculate the parameters of compliance and pulse wave velocity. The descending thoracic and abdominal aorta showed significant correlations between age and elasticity. No correlation was observed at the aortic bifurcation. A significant correlation between age and pulse wave velocity was apparent in the common iliac artery, whereas compliance showed no significant correlation to age. In the external iliac artery as well, no significant correlation between age and elasticity could be found. Arterial elasticity decreases with age, but this process does not progress uniformly at all sites of the arterial system. The difference in elasticity between these basic types of arteries diminishes throughout life. At the aortic bifurcation, mechanical aging seems to proceed faster than at unbifurcated arterial segments.
Gillessen
T
T
Department of Internal Medicine I, Technical University of Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen D-52057, Germany.
Gillessen
F
F
Sieberth
H
H
Hanrath
P
P
Heintz
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography