Arterial stiffness in patients with systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Aim. To study arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS). Material and methods. A total of 38 SS patients (36 females and 2 males over 40 years of age) entered the study. They met the following criteria: clinical symptoms of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels, other severe chronic diseases in exacerbation. The control group consisted of 28 healthy matched volunteers. AS was measured with Tensioclinic (Tensiomed, Hungary) arteriograph which demonstrated changes in arterial bed in SS patients. Results. Arterial overrigidity and accelerated reflection of the pulse wave have a strong impact on elevation of the central arterial pressure. High blood pressure in the ascending aorta overloads the left ventricle and promotes development of its hypertrophy, deteriorates diastolic relaxation and, finally, damages pump function of the heart. Moreover, chronic elevation of the central arterial pressure is the end component in formation of the vicious circle of a further increase of the cardiovascular risk and the marker of target organ affection. Conclusion. Increased vascular stiffness in SS patients suggests increased cardiovascular risk in these patients. Prospective studies of this risk are needed.

Keywords

• systemic sclerosis
• rigidity of arterial wall