Decreased Pulse Wave Velocity in a Systemic Sclerosis Population: Preliminary Results from a Cross-Sectional Study.

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by organ and tissue fibrosis in which the incidence of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events is increased, although the exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. Arterial stiffness is a marker of vascular damage that can predict cardiovascular events; therefore, this study aimed to assess the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), markers of stiffness, in a Systemic Sclerosis population and to detect potentially associated variables. Fourteen female Systemic Sclerosis patients and 14 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled.