Relation Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Diastolic Augmentation Index in Chinese Population

Both atherosclerosis measured by carotid intimamedia thickness (CIMT) and arterial stiffness measured by diastolic augmentation index (DAI) are risk factors of cardiovascular disease. We studied the relationship between CIMT and DAI in Chinese population. 65 outpatients (26 males and 39 females) aged 24–78 years (51±19 years) recruited from carotid ultrasound examination room were taken into the study. We used a tonometric device (IIM-2010A to measure DAI, pules wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI), and a Sonosite Micromax ultrasound unit to measure CIMT. CIMT was negatively correlated with DAI (r=−0.636, P<0.01), and positively relevant with PWV and AI (r=0.396 and r=0.596, P<0.01 for both). DAI was negatively related to AI (r=−0.522 and P<0.001). Age, PWV and DAI were independent predictors of CIMT, while age, CIMT and central blood pressure were independent predictors of DAI. CIMT was age-dependent and significantly related to DAI besides other parameters for arterial stiffness including PWV and AI.