A comparative study of arterial stiffness indices between smokers & non smokers

Abstract

Background & Objective: Arterial stiffening is recognized as a critical precursor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Smoking is one of the modifiable risk factor for CVD. Lifestyle modification is clinical efficacious therapeutic interventions for preventing and treating arterial stiffening. Arterial stiffness can be measured from Digital Volume Pulse which is economical, easier, non-invasive & less time consuming method (Finger Photoplethysmography). Hence, the current study is designed to compare the Arterial Stiffness Indices between smokers & non smokers. Materials & Methods: The study involved fifty five non smokers & fifty five smokers within the age group of 30-50 years. Subjects’ height, weight and baseline value of Blood pressure, Pulse rate and Peripheral Pulse Wave were recorded in both non smokers & smokers. From Peripheral pulse wave, arterial stiffness indices were calculated. Arterial Stiffness Index (SI) = Patients Height (h)/ Transit time (ϪTDVP) [Transit time (ϪTDVP) → Time delay between systolic peak & Diastolic peak] Reflection Index (RI) = Magnitude of Diastolic peak / Magnitude of Systolic Peak × 100 Results: Arterial Stiffness Index & Reflection Index were highly significantly in smoker than non smokers, p<0.001. Conclusion: The increased arterial stiffness indices in smoker suggests that the cigarette smoke damages vascular endothelium, which can lead to increased arterial stiffness and consequently to overall deterioration of the cardiovascular system condition. Non invasive measurements of arterial stiffness will aid the optimal stratification of CVD risk in an apparently healthy population.

Keywords

• Arterial stiffness
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Digital Volume Pulse
• Smoking