title: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic patients have increased arterial stiffness, as determined using the augmentation index.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemic (FH) patients, study of the arterial wall and its function are of particular interest. Arterial stiffness has been shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). In this study, we examined arterial stiffness in FH patients and its association with biochemical and vascular parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, we included 125 FH patients (20-60 years old) and 59 gender- and age-matched healthy controls (CG). Clinical, anthropometry and biochemical data were obtained. Arterial stiffness determined based on the augmentation index (AIx) was assessed with peripheral artery tonometry. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  FH patients displayed a significant increase in AIx with respect to CG subjects (9.6 ± 17.2 vs. 2.6 ± 10.3%, P= 0.011). FH patients also had a thicker cIMT (0.758 ± 0.280 vs. 0.635 ± 0.160 mm, P< 0.001), while their ABIs were not different from CG subjects. AIx values were positively correlated with LDLc, non-HDLc, apolipoprotein B100, triglyceride and sE-selectin levels. Moreover, apolipoprotein B100-rich particles, along with systolic blood pressure and glucose levels, were the main determinants of AIx. In addition, we found that AIx (β= 0.224, P= 0.014) was an independent determinant of cIMT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FH patients have increased arterial stiffness, despite advancements in typical clinical management. AIx is clearly associated with apolipoprotein B100 concentrations, and it is a determinant of cIMT. AIx can be utilised as a vascular risk marker in FH patients.
authors: Vascular Medicine and Metabolism Unit, Lipids and Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Sant Joan University Hospital, Institut d' Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain.
authors: Nuria
authors: N
authors: Plana
authors: Raimon
authors: R
authors: Ferré
authors: Jordi
authors: J
authors: Merino
authors: Gemma
authors: G
authors: Aragonès
authors: Josefa
authors: J
authors: Girona
authors: Mercedes
authors: M
authors: Heras
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Masana
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003187:Compliance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged