Abstract

A REVIEW ON CENTRAL AORTIC PRESSURE AS AN INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Soumya R. V.*, Ansalna S., Juliee Sara Alex, Harikrishnan U., Sruthy R. Mohan, Prasobh G. R., and Sruthy S. A.

Abstract

Central aortic pressure predicts future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in the general population with hypertension. Central blood pressure induces direct mechanical stress on the left ventricle and vital organ vasculature. Central aortic pressure was also demonstrated to be more valuable than other BP variables in predicting cardiovascular mortality. Multiple factors influence central aortic function and hemodynamics. Use of antihypertensive medications and allow a greater chance of preventing cardiovascular events. One among the many indexes of measuring central aortic pressure is the BP amplification Index which (difference between central SBP and brachial SBP) has been established as strong indicator of cardiovascular risk. Central BP and arterial stiffness have been found to be more relevant pathophysiologically than peripheral pressures in the pathogenesis of CVD. One of the most convenient forms of measuring central aortic blood pressure is the applanation tonometry which records the radial artery pressure waveforms. Though there is no suggestion that brachial blood pressure measurement should be fully abandoned but the adoption of central aortic pressure into clinical practise could gain an opportunity to change the phase of medicine.

Keywords: Central aortic pressure, amplification index, cardiovascular risk, Antihypertensive medications.