Effects of Long-term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Systemic Arterial Stiffness and Pulse Wave Velocity

Abstract

Background and aims: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed agents. Whereas PPIs are widely regarded as harmlesss, long-term use of PPIs (LTUPPI) can have the potential to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a good indicator of arterial stiffness. There are several studies showing a relationship between LTUPPI and CVD. However, the association with LTUPPI and PWV or arterial stiffness has not been reported. Patients and methods: Patients (n=64) with LTUPPI and controls (n=91) were included. PWV, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and magnesium levels were measured. Main results: In the LTUPPI group, PWV was greater than in controls (9.08±2.04 vs 7.77±1.52 m/s, respectively, p=0.01); 34.4% of patients and 8.8% of controls had PWV levels <10 m/s (p=0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (p<0.001) and LTUPPI (p=0.024) were predictors of elevated PWV. Conclusions: PWV values are increased in patients with LTUPPI compared with controls independently of conventional CV risk factors. Measurement of PWV and other arterial stiffness parameters in cases with LTUPPI may be useful to predict possible CVD. Studies with greater numbers are needed to confirm these findings.