Association between brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity and endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent coronary vasomotor function

Abstract

Summary1. Coronary endothelial function and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. Thus, in the present study we examined the relationship between baPWV and endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent coronary vasodilatory functions.2. Sixty‐five patients (12 diabetic and 53 non‐diabetic) with no significant stenosis of the coronary artery were studied and baPWV determined. After cardiac catheterization, graded doses of bradykinin (BK; 0.2, 0.6 and 2.0 μg/min), nitroglycerin (NTG; 250 μg) and papaverine (Pa; 12 mg) were administered into the left anterior descending coronary artery. Coronary blood flow (CBF) was measured using a Doppler flow wire.3. In the 65 patients, an inverse correlation was found between baPWV and the percentage change in epicardial coronary artery diameter (Δ%CoD), as well as the percentage change in CBF (Δ%CBF), following administration of BK (endothelium‐dependent vasodilator). Moreover, inverse correlations were found between baPWV and Δ%CoD following administration of NTG (endothelium‐independent vasodilator) and Δ%CBF following administration of Pa (endothelium‐independent vasodilator).4. Multivariate analysis revealed diabetes to be independently and significantly associated with baPWV, BK‐induced Δ%CBF and Δ%CoD and Pa‐induced Δ%CBF.5. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that increased baPWV is associated with endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent coronary vasodilatory dysfunction. Non‐invasive and straightforward baPWV measurement may be useful for the assessment of coronary risk factors, particularly in diabetic patients.