Arterial stiffness is one of the characteristics of vascular aging. Increases in pulse pressure, which re.ects an increase in the stiffness of the large arteries, are associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels. This may suggest a role of in.ammation in the development of arterial stiffness. We investigated the relation between measures of arterial stiffness and C-reactive protein within the framework of the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort study including subjects aged 55 years and older. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and the distensibility coef.cient of the carotid artery were used as measures of arterial stiffness. Data on both arterial stiffness and C-reactive protein were available for 866 participants. In adjusted models, levels of C-reactive protein were linearly associated with pulse wave velocity (regression coef.cient 0.081, 95% CI 0.001-0.161). Adjusted mean values of pulse wave velocity were signi.cantly different across tertiles of C-reac-tive protein, being higher in the highest tertile of C-reactive protein. However, no signi.cant association between C-reactive protein and carotid distensibility was observed.

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Heineken International, Hofman, Prof. Dr. A. (promotor), J.E. Jurriaanse Stichting, Merck Sharp & Dohme BV, Novartis, P.zer bv, Schalekamp, Prof. Dr. M.A.D.H. (promotor), Servier Nederland bv
A. Hofman (Albert)
hdl.handle.net/1765/6735
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Mattace Raso, F. (2005, February 16). Age-related changes in vascular structure and function Determinants and cardiovascular risk. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/6735