Reference values for the augmentation index and pulse pressure in apparently healthy korean subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Arterial stiffness is a precursor to premature cardiovascular disease. The augmentation index (AI) and pulse pressure (PP) are cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to define the diagnostic values of the AI and PP from the peripheral arterial and central aortic waveforms in healthy subjects.


METHODS
We recruited 522 consecutive subjects (mean age 46.3+/-9.6 years, 290 males) who came to our facility for a comprehensive medical testing. We measured the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, peripheral and central PP, and a pulse wave analysis that included the central and peripheral AI.


RESULTS
The peripheral and central AIs in the female subjects were significantly higher than that in the male subjects (p<0.001). The peripheral and central PPs in the subjects with hyperlipidemia were significantly higher than subjects with normal lipid profiles (p<0.001). The peripheral and central PPs and peripheral and central AIs significantly increased with age.


CONCLUSIONS
Pending validation in prospective outcome-based studies, a peripheral PP of 70 mmHg, central PP of 50 mmHg, peripheral AI of 100%, and central AI of 40% may be preliminary values in adult subjects.
Chung
Jin Wook
JW
Division of Cardiology, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea.
Lee
Young Soo
YS
Kim
Jeong Hyun
JH
Seong
Myung Jun
MJ
Kim
So Yeon
SY
Lee
Jin Bae
JB
Ryu
Jae Kean
JK
Choi
Ji Yong
JY
Kim
Kee Sik
KS
Chang
Sung Gug
SG
Lee
Geon Ho
GH
Kim
Sung Hi
SH