P6.08: ‘Ambulatory’ Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity is Highly Reproducible and Independently Correlates with Kidney Function in Older Men

Introduction Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) independently predicts end-organ damage and mortality. However, these relationships have only been assessed at rest. Considering light exercise (‘ambulatory’) conditions better represent chronic BP exposure, we developed a technique to approximate ambulatory aortic PWV (AaPWV). This study aimed to determine the reproducibility of the technique and relation of AaPWV to end-organ damage. Methods Carefully screened healthy younger (n = 17, 30±8 years) and older (n=18, 54±8 years) untreated men underwent comprehensive cardiovascular assessment at rest and whilst ‘ambulatory’ (during low intensity semi-recumbent cycling). Applanation tonometry was used to assess AaPWV (carotid-to-femoral arterial sites) and central BP. All participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP (24-ABP). Kidney function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Fifteen participants had testing repeated within 30±19 days. Results AaPWV had excellent reproducibility (mean difference = −0.35±0.61 m/s, ICC=0.874, p