[Purpose] Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV), which has been reported as an
index of arterial stiffness, is very closely related to cardiovascular risk factors. A
high BaPWV indicates high cardiovascular risk. However, BaPWV and pressure waveforms after
stroke are not fully understood. [Methods] BaPWV was measured in thirty-two subjects
(twenty-two healthy volunteers and ten stroke patients) while they were in the supine
position. It was measured in their bilateral upper and lower extremities. [Results] BaPWV
was significantly increased in the stroke group compared with the healthy volunteers. It
was also significantly increased on both the affected and non-affected sides of stroke
patients in the stroke group. Furthermore, analysis of the pressure waveforms showed that
the peak pressure was significantly increased in the stroke group compared with the
control group. The peak pressure on both the affected and non-affected sides was also
significantly greater than in the control group. However, the rise and decay times were
significantly decreased in the stroke group compared with the control group. The rise and
decay time on both the affected and non-affected sides were also significantly more
decreased than in the control group. [Conclusion] The results demonstrated that increased
BaPWV and changed pulse waves are closely associated with the pathologic states of
hemiplegic stroke patients.
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