Objective:
Increased arterial stiffness (AS), measured as increased pulse wave velocity (PWV), has been considered as important aspect of vascular aging and independent risk factor for both cardiovascular events and overall mortality. Chronic inflammation due to the aging of immune system and disturbances in the functional state of endothelial progenitor cells is one of the key mechanisms of increased AS. The complete blood count, which changes with age, characterizes the state of the hematopoietic system and the immune response.
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between PWV and the parameters of blood test in healthy subjects of different ages.
Design and method:
We investigated 304 healthy subjects (200 women, 104 men), mean age 51,5 ± 13,3 years. PWV was measured with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device BPLab Vasotens (BPLab, Russia). Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells and platelets count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, were measured using routine methods.
Results:
Mean systolic BP was 125,2 ± 16,7 mm Hg, diastolic BP was 76,7 ± 10,4 mm Hg, PWV = 8,8 ± 2,1 m/s. Multivariate regression analysis showed a positive association between PWV and age (p < 0.0001), systolic BP (p = 0.002), RBC count (p = 0.003), hemoglobin (p = 0.029). Other blood test parameters did not demonstrate a significant association with PWV.
Conclusions:
The independent direct association of the PWV and RBC count, hemoglobin level confirms the role of AS in ensuring normal microcirculation in the tissues.
