Dynamic vessel wall properties and their reproducibility in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Objective: To determine reproducibility figures of dynamic arterial wall properties such as cross-sectional compliance (CC) and distensibility (DC) in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk, in comparison with healthy adults. Methods: A total of 34 persons were divided into three groups with varying cardiovascular risk factors. Diameters (D) and diameter changes (ΔD) during the heart cycle of both common carotid (CCA) and right common femoral (CFA) arteries were measured by a vessel wall movement detector system. Blood pressures (BP) were recorded non-invasively by a semi-automated oscillometric device. CC (= πD(ΔD/2ΔP) in unit mm²/kPa) and DC (= (2ΔD/D)/ΔP in unit 10⁻³/kPa) were calculated from the above-mentioned parameters. Measurements were performed twice during one visit and twice again with a time interval of at least 3 days to determine intra-observer intra- and intersession variability. Results: Reproducibility figures of CC and DC of the CCA varied between 8 and 12%, and between 13 and 22% for the CFA. Intra-observer intra- and intersession variability were similar in the three groups. Conclusions: In our studies the reproducibility of dynamic vascular wall properties determined by ultrasound was good. Despite differences in the absolute values for CC and DC in groups with increased cardiovascular risk, mean reproducibility figures remained at a similar level (8–12%) as in healthy volunteers.