Ambulatory arterial stiffness index correlates with ambulatory pulse pressure but not dipping status in patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and other parameters derived from ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, including dipping status, in patients with grade 1/grade 2 hypertension. Methods This retrospective analysis included baseline data from Chinese outpatients enrolled into a previous study, who had clinic diastolic BP of 90–109 mmHg and systolic BP <180 mmHg, had undergone 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and routine blood chemistry investigations, and had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data. Results Out of 120 patients screened, 87 were included. No significant difference in 24-h AASI was found between dippers and nondippers. The 24-h AASI significantly correlated with age, systolic BP and pulse pressure, and inversely correlated with 24-h diastolic BP variation and eGFR. In dippers and nondippers, AASI correlated with daytime pulse pressure, daytime diastolic BP variation and eGFR; in nondippers, AASI also correlated with 24-h systolic BP and 24-h pulse pressure. The 24-h AASI was significantly associated with 24-h pulse pressure and daytime pulse pressure. Conclusion In patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension, AASI shows a significant correlation with ambulatory pulse pressure.