Factors Associated to Arterial Stiffness in Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with arterial stiffness in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 181 patients (67% men; mean aged 66 +/- 9 years) were recruited and had their central arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Clinical characteristics are sociodemographic data, body mass index, comorbid conditions, and walking capacity. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (b = 0.182, P = 0.032), body mass index (b = 0.254, P = 0.002), and mean blood pressure (b = 0.249, P = 0.021) were positively associated with cf-PWV. Conclusions: Our results showed that the aging, elevated body mass index, and higher blood pressure are clinical factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral artery disease.