PWV index was correlated with numerous cardiovascular risk factors, in addition of being a marker of age and hypertension. Therefore, this index appears as a cardiovascular risk integrator. Its use could be interesting in cardiovascular risk assessment and reduction strategies.

Aortic stiffness and PP amplification were not interrelated, suggesting that these markers may provide complementary information for cardiovascular risk. New therapeutic strategies targeting pressure pulsatility should take into account the impact of hyperglycemia and increased heart rate in diabetic hypertensives. Gender influence on the role of autonomic nervous system in attenuating pressure wave reflections remains to be further established.

No abstract