Author(s): OGOH, S., KARAKI, M., KUNIMATSU, N., WATANABE, K., TOMOTO, T., FUKUIE, M., SUGAWARA, J., Institution: TOYO UNIVERISTY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 489

INTRODUCTION:
Previous studies have reported an elevation in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), considered an index of arterial stiffness, during upright posture compared to the supine position. This suggests that the upright position acutely induces arterial stiffening. However, evidence supporting this assertion has not been presented. This study aims to investigate aortic impedance, a more rigorous index of arterial stiffness evaluated from the dynamic blood flow-pressure relationship, to determine whether cfPWV accurately reflects arterial stiffness in the seated position.
METHODS:
Twenty young, healthy subjects (14 males and 6 females) underwent arterial stiffness measurements in both supine and seated positions to validate the credibility of alterations in cfPWV specifically. Arterial stiffness in both positions was evaluated using aortic impedance measured with applanation tonometry and ultrasonography, as well as cfPWV using applanation tonometry.
RESULTS:
Similar to a previous study, cfPWV values significantly increased in the seated position compared to the supine position (supine vs seated; 5.41±0.62 vs 6.19±0.77 cm/s, P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in aortic impedance between the two positions (333±94 vs. 363±134 dyne-s/cm3, P = 0.259).
CONCLUSION:
The findings of the present study suggest that changes in body position may not lead to immediate changes in arterial stiffness. This implies that measuring cfPWV during the supine position is crucial for accurately identifying arterial stiffness.