Abstract: Objective To observe the relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV)and cardiovascular risk factors as well as clinical cardiovascular events in high cardiovascular risk patients.MethodsRelevant clinical data,including baPWV,height,weight,waist circumference,blood pressure,heart rate,history and blood biochemistry test were collected in 111 consecutive patients with high cardiovascular risk.High cardiovascular risk patients are defined as those who developed cardiovascular events (coronary heart disease,ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack) before or those who have two or more cardiovascular risk factors(more than 50 years old,smoking,obesity,hypertension,diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia).The number of risk factors and cardiovascular events between patients with high baPWV (≥1700 cm/s) and low baPWV (<1700 cm/s) were compared.ResultsCompared with low baPWV group,the cardiovascular events and the number of cardiovascular risk factors were higher in high baPWV group(35.3% versus 60.5%,P<0.01 and (3.9±1.2)versus (4.4±0.9),P<0.05,respectively).The factors influencing baPWV were age (P<0.001)and systolic blood pressure (P<0.01).ConclusionIn patients with high cardiovascular risk,the cardiovascular events and the number of risk factors were more frequent in patients with higher baPWV.Age and systolic blood pressure are independent risk factors of baPWV.

Key words: brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular events