Ageing and Pulse Wave Velocity in Relation to Serum Nitric Oxide

Abstract

Background: The Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) is an important marker of arterial stiffness. Age related changes of arterial stiffness in relation to PWV and endothelial derived Nitric Oxide (NOx) are least explored. Aim and Objectives: The present study was aimed to assess a relationship between age associated vascular stiffness and endothelial derived nitric oxide in both males and females. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty healthy subjects male (n= 60) and female (n=60) subjects (20 to 95 years) were randomly selected among general population of Vijayapur city, Karnataka. Subjects were divided into group I (20-29 years), II (30-39 years), III (40-49 years), IV (50-59 years), V (60-69 years) and VI (>70 years). Physiological parameters like blood pressure and endothelial derived NOx were assessed. Vascular stiffness parameter like brachial-ankle PWV(b-aPWV) and carotid femoral PWV (c-fPWV) were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was done by using one way ANOVA and post hoc t test by using SPSS software. Results: Group I to group VI showed significant steady increase of b-a PWV and c-f PWV with concomitant significant decrease of serum NOx in both male and female subjects. Further a significant negative correlation between b-aPWV and c-f PWV with NOx in both male and female subjects were also observed. Conclusion: Results suggested possible influences of ageing on vascular stiffness which may be due to alteration of endothelial derived NOx.

Keywords

• Pulse Wave Velocity
• Vascular Stiffness
• Nitric Oxide
• Gender
• Ageing