Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index are widely used measures of arterial stiffness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of blood pressure as a determinant of both indices independent of potentially confounding factors including gender, age and cardiovascular disorders. A total of 77 young, healthy subjects were investigated under resting conditions. Augmentation index was derived by pulse wave analysis using carotid applanation tonometry. PWV was determined from pressure tracing over the carotid and femoral artery. The relations between stiffness markers and haemodynamic parameters were analysed by simple (r) and multiple (b) regression analysis. Using simple regression analysis, augmentation index was correlated to age (r ¼ 0.292, P ¼ 0.0105), diastolic blood pressure (DBP, r ¼ 0.483, Po0.0001), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP, r ¼ 0.381, P ¼ 0.0007), pulse pressure (r ¼ À0.414, P ¼ 0.0002) and total peripheral resistance (r ¼ 0.266, P ¼ 0.0204). After multiple regression analysis, augmentation index remained significantly correlated only to DBP (b ¼ 0.347, P ¼ 0.0051). Using simple regression analysis, PWV was correlated to age (r ¼ 0.304, P ¼ 0.0067), systolic blood pressure (r ¼ 0.280, P ¼ 0.0129). DBP (r ¼ 0.455, Po0.0001), MAP (r ¼ 0.446, Po0.0001) and heart rate (r ¼ 0.348, P ¼ 0.0018). After multiple regression analysis, PWV remained correlated only to age (b ¼ 0.218, P ¼ 0.0422) and DBP (b ¼ 0.4105, P ¼ 0.0316). In summary, DBP is an important determinant of augmentation index and PWV in young, healthy males. Further studies are needed to characterize the impact of blood pressure on arterial stiffness in other populations including females and older subjects.

Left ventricular ejection time may be an important determinant of pulse wave velocity under resting and adrenergic conditions in young, healthy males. Further studies are needed to evaluate this relationship in other populations including females and patients with cardiovascular disease.

Background: A C825T polymorphism was recently identified in the gene encoding the β3 subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins (GNB3). The T-allele is significantly associated with essential hypertension and obesity. In order to further explore a possible pathogenetic link between the Tallele and impaired glucose tolerance we studied metabolic and haemodynamic responses to oral glucose loading in young, healthy subjects with and without the 825T-allele.