Arterial Compliance in Systolic Hypertension

Abstract

Arterial compliance, as estimated by pulse wave velocity, and the pulse pressure/stroke volume index were evaluated in 27 normotensive subjects, 21 patients with established hypertension, and 18 patients with systolic essential hypertension. Pulse wave velocity was elevated to the same degree in both hypertensive groups when compared to the normotensive controls. The pulse pressure/stroke volume index was higher in essential hypertension than in normotensive subjects and even higher in patients with systolic hypertension. Apparently, both indices are useful clinical tools to determine arterial compliance. Systolic hypertension does not always indicate stiffening of the arterial tree but may result from a high stroke volume in the presence of a normal arterial compliance.