Arterial elasticity among normotensive subjects and treated and untreated hypertensive subjects: influence of race.

Objectives: To determine arterial elasticity in normotensives and in treated and untreated hypertensive Black and White subjects.

Methods: A prospective multicenter, controlled clinical trial evaluated large (C-) and small (C2) artery elasticity indices among 3 groups: 1) normotensive subjects with or without a family history of hypertension; 2) controlled and treated hypertensive subjects; and 3) untreated and uncontrolled hypertensive subjects. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury manometer and arterial compliance or elasticity was determined using a CVProfilor DO-2020 CardioVascular Profiling System (Hypertension Diagnostics, Inc, Eagan, Minn). These parameters were measured in triplicate 3 minutes apart in a random sequence, with the patient in a supine position. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical evaluation.

Results: One hundred seventy eight subjects met stratification and enrollment criteria. The mean age was 46 years. 109 were White and 69 were Black. [table: see text]

Conclusion: Small and large arterial elasticity indices are reduced as hypertension status worsens. Age and height were important covariates of C1 and C2. Race was not found to be a significant predictor of either C1 or C2. Large and small artery elasticity indices do not differ between White and Black subjects with varying degrees of hypertension after adjusting for covariates. More studies with a larger number of subjects are required.