Elevated Aortic-Brachial Pulse Wave Velocity Ratio Linked to Ischemic Stroke
Overview
This study investigates the aortic-brachial pulse wave velocity (PWV) ratio in ischemic stroke patients, revealing that the ratio is significantly higher in strokes related to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) compared to non-LAA strokes.
Background
Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke, particularly related to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA). Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is recognized as a significant predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Data Highlights
Stroke Type
PWV Ratio
p-value
LAA
1.26 (1.09–1.58)
< 0.01
Non-LAA
1.10 (0.95–1.36)
Key Findings
21.8% of ischemic stroke patients had strokes related to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA).
The PWV ratio was significantly higher in LAA-related strokes compared to non-LAA strokes.
After adjustment, the odds ratio for elevated PWV ratio in LAA was 3.40 (95% CI = 1.18–9.79, p = 0.02).
The PWV ratio was not significantly associated with mean blood pressure (p = 0.79).
PWV is considered the gold standard for assessing arterial stiffness.
Clinical Implications
The elevated PWV ratio in LAA-related ischemic stroke suggests its potential association with vascular risk, independent of blood pressure.
Conclusion
The study highlights the aortic-brachial PWV ratio in identifying ischemic stroke subtypes, particularly LAA, and its independence from mean blood pressure.
