P158 Arterial Stiffness in the Very Old: The aga@4life Research Project

Objective To study the determinants of Arterial Stiffness (AS) in the elderly. Design and method Cross-sectional, observational study of elderly participants. Blood Pressure (BP) and arterial function parameters were measured with a validated device. Clinical and demographic information was gathered, as well as the estimation of global cardiovascular risk, health related quality of life, dietary profile and cognition. Cholesterol and glycaemia were measured. Results 54 Participants recruited for the project, with a mean age of 73.0 ± 6.0 years (range: 65–94 years). Central BP was 119.4 ± 16.2 mmHg and 38.3 ± 11.6 mmHg, respectively for aortic systolic and pulse pressures. Mean pulse wave velocity (PWV) was 10.6 ± 1.36 m/s and the augmentation index was 27.0 ± 17.6%. Significant differences were depicted as a function of gender, with males presenting higher BP and PWV. The proportion of participants with increased PWV, according to the available reference values, was 31.6%. Participants with increased PWV had higher brachial and central BP, higher BMI and higher abdominal fat. Functionality was worst in high PWV participants, as well as cognitive function. Multivariate linear regression indicated age (β = 0.172; CI: 0.158;0.185; p < 0.001), and aortic systolic BP (β = 0.033; CI: 0.028;0.038; p < 0.001) as independent determinants of PWV. Also Hypertension (OR = 15.83; IC:8.16–30.7) and Diabetes (OR = 2.34;IC: 0.99-5.50) were independently associated with AS. Conclusions Accelerated AS is a common finding in the elderly and is highly associated with hypertension and diabetes. A strong association of AS with central BP and reflected waves is also of notice in this particular population.