The Diastolic Oscillation Amplitude Used as an Arterial Aging Indicator

Abstract

Introduction

The compliance of the distal arteries depends on their vasoconstrictor tone and distensibility and is sensitive to endothelial function and aging. C2, a component of the Windkessel model, is a measure of distal arterial compliance, and establishes the magnitude of the pressure rise during early diastole. It is calculated from the diastolic portion of the radial pulse wave using sophisticated analyses. C2 is used as a cardiovascular risk indicator since it decreases with aging, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Here, we propose an alternative method to assess the distal arteries distensibility by measuring the amplitude of the oscillation that occurs at the beginning of diastole.

Methods

Peripheral pulse wave was evaluated noninvasively by applanation tonometry in 511 individuals (264 women) aged between 13 and 70 years. Diastolic amplitude (DA) was measured as the peak-to-peak amplitude of the diastolic oscillation. Radial augmentation index (RAIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were also calculated.

Results

DA decreased approximately 2% per decade of life between 16 and 70 years from 19% to 7%, and was higher in men than in women (p<0.0001). Linear regression analysis identified RAIx as the strongest predictor of AD (p<0.0001), followed by age and height. Sex modified the age-related decrease in DA (p< 0.001). By applying the method to measure DA from previously published data, we found a strong linear correlation with C2.

Conclusion

DA decreased linearly with age in a reciprocal manner to the increase in radial augmentation index, was greater in men than women, and was independent of blood pressure and heart rate, as previously reported for C2. We propose that measuring DA could provide an alternative index to evaluate distal arterial compliance and aging.

Keywords:

• pulse wave analysis
• diastole
• distal arteries
• ageing

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.