Non-invasively measured aortic wave reflection and pulse pressure amplification are related to the severity of coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Augmentation index (AIx) and pulse pressure amplification (PPA, here the aortic/brachial pulse pressure ratio) are an age-related emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, it has not been clearly shown that AIx and PPA predict a high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the association between non-invasively measured aortic wave reflection (AWR) and PPA and CAD. Methods The study group consisted of 80 patients who were admitted to our institute for elective coronary angiography. We non-invasively measured augmentation pressure (AP), AIx, and PPA using radial applanation tonometry. Results When the extent of CAD was divided by no or minimal CAD, 1- or 2- and 3-vessel disease (VD), there was a significant association between the extent of CAD and AIx and PPA in patients aged