SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and echocardiographic indices, i.e. left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), were measured in 217 (59 hypertensive, 158 normotensive, and age of 57.7±12.8 (21-86)) subjects. The relationship between the baPWV and RWT was analyzed according to the presence of LVH, which was defined by >52.0 g/m2.7. Group I was defined as having a RWT≤0.35 and group II as a RWT>0.35.

RESULTS: In a multiple regression model for the relative wall thickness, the stroke volume (beta=-0.261), PWVright (beta=0.177), total peripheral resistance (beta=0.227), abdominal circumference (beta=0.317) and body mass index (beta=-0.214) were found to be independent determinants (R2=0.265, SEE=0.043, constant=0.258±0.043, p=0.0001). In subjects without LVH, those in group II (n=42) were older (59.3±13.4 vs. 52.0±13.0, p=0.005) and had a higher meanPWV (1590.7±407.3 vs. 1711.3±407.3 cm/sec, p=0.02) than those in group I (n=65). In subjects with LVH, those in group II (n=66) were older (62.5±10.9 vs. 57.5±11.4, p=0.03) and had a higher meanPWV (1623.7±385.3 vs. 1488.5±266.3 cm/sec, p=0.03) than those in group I (n=44). In group II, the total peripheral resistance was higher (1858.7±447.7 vs. 1608.0±347.4 dynes-sec-cm-5, p=0.0001) and the stroke volume lower (67.0±14.2 vs. 79.4±15.7 ml, p=0.0001) than in group I.

CONCLUSION: Pulse wave velocity is independently associated with the concentric geometry of the left ventricle in the rural Korean population used in this study.