The value of increased arterial wave reflection, usually assessed by the transit time–dependent augmentation index and augmented pressure (Pa), in the prediction of cardiovascular events may have been underestimated.

We investigated whether the transit time–independent measures of reflected wave magnitude predict cardiovascular outcomes independent of arterial stiffness indexed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity.

A total of 1272 participants (47% women; mean age: 52±13 years; range: 30 to 79 years) from a community-based survey were studied.

Carotid pressure waveforms derived by tonometry were decomposed into their forward wave amplitudes, backward wave amplitudes (Pb), and a reflection index (=[Pb/(forward wave amplitude+Pb)]), in addition to augmentation index, Pa, and reflected wave transit time.

During a median follow-up of 15 years, 225 deaths occurred (17.6%), including 64 cardiovascular origins (5%).

In univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, pulse wave velocity, Pa, and Pb predicted all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in both men and women, whereas augmentation index, reflected wave transit time, and reflection index were predictive only in men.

In multivariate analysis accounting for age, height, and heart rate, Pb predicted cardiovascular mortality in both men and women, whereas Pa was predictive only in men.

Per 1-SD increment (6 mm Hg), Pb predicted 15-year cardiovascular mortality independent of brachial but not central pressure, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, Pa, and conventional cardiovascular risk factors with hazard ratios of 1.60 (all P<0.05).

In conclusion

Pb, a transit time–independent measure of reflected wave magnitude, predicted long-term cardiovascular mortality in men and women independent of arterial stiffness.

Key Words: wave reflection • pulse wave velocity • arterial stiffness • vascular aging • mortality • epidemiology

Hypertension. 2010;55:799

Kang-Ling Wang; Hao-Min Cheng; Shih-Hsien Sung; Shao-Yuan Chuang; Cheng-Hung Li; Harold A. Spurgeon; Chih-Tai Ting; Samer S. Najjar; Edward G. Lakatta; Frank C.P. Yin; Pesus Chou; Chen-Huan Chen

From the Departments of Medicine (K.-L.W., S.-H.S., C.-H.L.) and Medical Research and Education (H.-M.C., C.-H.C.), Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences (S.-Y.C.), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science (H.A.S., S.S.N., E.G.L.), National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Md; Cardiovascular Center (C.-T.T.), Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Engineering (F.C.P.Y.), Washington University, St Louis, Mo; Cardiovascular Research Center (C.-H.C.) and Department of Public Health (P.C., C.-H.C.), National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Correspondence to Chen-Huan Chen, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. E-mail chench@vghtpe.gov.tw