P3.29 ASSESSMENT OF THE DETERMINANTS OF LOCAL CAROTID STIFFNESS IN A GENERAL POPULATION IN NORTHERN ITALY

Abstract

Background: The determinants of aortic stiffness have been elucidated in several studies, while few data are available for carotid stiffness. Aim of the study was to identify the main determinants of carotid arterial stiffness parameters in a general population in Northern-Italy(Vobarno Study). Methods:183subjects(61% female, mean age 55± 4,53% hypertensives,59% treated) underwent laboratory examinations and both clinic and 24 hours BP measurement (Spacelabs 90207). A non-invasive echotracking system was used to measure intima-media thickness, diameter, distension, distensibility (Dist), distensibility coefficient (CDist), compliance coefficient (CC) and elastic modulus (Einc) on 4-cm long common carotid artery segment. Results: correlation coefficient of Dist, CDist and Einc are shown in Table 1. Dist CDist Einc R p r p r p Age (years) −0.240* 0.001 −0.241* 0.001 0.210* 0.005 BMI (Kg/m2) −0.192* 0.01 −0.192* 0.010 0.169* 0.024 Clinic SBP (mmHg) −0.501* 0.001 −0.477* 0.000 0.511* 0.000 Clinic DBP (mmHg) −0.181* 0.015 −0.184* 0.014 0.262* 0.000 Clinic MBP (mmHg) −0.374* 0.001 −0.362* 0.000 0.422* 0.000 24 hours SBP (mmHg) −0.207* 0.006 −0.198* 0.009 0.222* 0.003 24 hours DBP (mmHg) −0.183* 0.016 −0.191* 0.012 0.207* 0.006 24 hours MBP(mmHg) −0.13 0.094 −0.125 0.099 0.166* 0.029 At multivariate analysis the independent predictor of Dist,CDist and Einc were age (β=−0.22, β=−0.22 and β=0.18, respectively, all p<0.01), BMI (β=−0.18, β=−0.18 and β=0.14, respectively, all p<0.05),MBP (β=−0.34, β=−0.33 and β=0.40, respectively, all p<0.001)and female gender(β=0.19,β=0.18 and β=−0.15,respectively,all p<0.05).When carotid arterial stiffness parameters were compared in males and females,a significantly lower values of Dist and CC were observed in females (365±97 vs 427±124 μm,p<0.001 and 0.63±0.24 vs 0.83±0.29 mm2/kPa−1,p<0.001, respectively).After adjusting for possible confounders in a multivariate model distension(345 vs 456 μm, p<0.001),CDist (23.4 vs 30.3 kPa−1*10−3, p<0.001) and CC (0.61 vs 0.87 mm2/kPa−1, p<0.001)were significantly lower in females while Einc was significantly higher in females(0.45 vs 0.34 kPa*103,p=0.007).Conclusion: in a general population sample age, female gender, BMI and clinic and 24 hours BP values are associated to an increase local carotid stiffness.