Increased arterial stiffness in males with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta, has a prevalence of about 1.5%-3% among 65- to 70-year-old males in Europe. AAA confers an increased risk of developing major cardiovascular events in addition to the risk of aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the arterial wall distensibility is altered in subjects with AAA.

Methods: Two hundred and eighty-four male subjects (182 with AAA and 102 controls) were enrolled in the study. Arterial wall distensibility was evaluated using non-invasive applanation tonometry to measure regional pulse wave velocity between the carotid and femoral arteries and the carotid and radial arteries. In addition, blood pressure was measured, and the pulse pressure waveform was analysed.

Results: Higher aortic augmentation index (25.1% versus 20.6%; p < .001) and higher aortic pulse wave velocity (12.3 m/s versus 10.9 m/s; p < .001) were demonstrated in the AAA cohort. The slightly higher arm pulse wave velocity in the AAA group (9.4 m/s versus 9.1 m/s; p < .05) was abolished after adjusting for mean arterial blood pressure.

Conclusions: Males with AAA have decreased aortic wall distensibility and enhanced reflection waves in central aorta during systole. These results imply that increased arterial wall stiffness may be a contributing factor to the overall higher cardiovascular risk seen in patients with AAA.