Carotid-Femoral pulse wave velocity progression in hypertensive patients is associated with subsequent cardiovascular outcomes

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness (Pulse Wave Velocity - PWV) is associated with CV events and mortality. However, little is known on the relationship of its progression (ΔPWV) over time with CV outcomes. Purpose The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between PWV progression and all-cause mortality and CV events in hypertensive subjects. Methods We enrolled 402 consecutive hypertensive outpatients. At baseline anamnestic, clinical, BP, laboratory data and PWV were assessed. We performed a PWV follow-up examination at a median time of 3.7±0.5 years. Patients were subsequently followed for a median time of 10.1 (IQR 9.5 -10.5) years recording all-cause mortality and CV events. Results At baseline the mean age was 53.2±13.0 years, SBP and DBP were 141.8±17.5 and 86.8±10.5 mmHg and PWV was 8.5±1.9 m/s. Despite an improvement in BP control (- 9.2±19.5 and -8.0±12.3 for SBP and DBP respectively), at follow-up the population showed a PWV increase (ΔPWV +0.6±1.9 m/s). Progressors (ΔPWV ≥ 0.5 m/s, 204 patients, 50.7%) had a significantly lower survival probability and higher cumulative incidence of composite events, while no differences were seen for CV events (unadjusted analysis). At cox multivariable analysis neither ΔPWV ≥ 0.5 m/s (progressors) nor ΔPWV (as a spline function) were associated with CV events and with all-cause mortality. However, the association with survival probability and cumulative incidence of CV events, as a composite outcome, was significant (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.33 – 4.04, p=0.003). Conclusions In conclusion, our study shows that PWV progression of at least 0.5 m/s is frequent in hypertensive patients and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing CV events or dying (composite outcome).