ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the great arteries is an indicator of vascular risk. Our objective was to identify the PWV index between the arms and legs that best correlates with the coronary calcium quantification (CCQ) and to compare it with other methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight-one patients without vascular disease underwent the following measurements: CCQ; carotid intima-media thickness (IMT); carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV), using COMPLIOR; and PWV in the arms and legs, with our own device (abiPWV, ankle brachial index PWV). RESULTS: The difference in PWVs between the leg and arm (l-a PWV) measured with abiPWV was the index that best correlated with CCQ (r=0.401, P<.001). The correlation between IMT and CCQ and between CF-PWV and CCQ were r=0.366, P=.001; and r=0.385, P=.001, respectively. For a CCQ score higher than 100 as a marker of significant coronary arteriosclerosis, the areas under the curve for l-a PWV, IMT and cfPWV were 0.721 (P=.002), 0.758 (P<.001) and 0.636 (P=.058), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients without vascular disease, the l-a PWV measured with abiPWV appears to be the index that best correlates with the CCQ. This association is comparable to that between IMT and CCQ and between cfPWV and CCQ. The abiPWV is an easy-to-use device that can help improve vascular risk stratification.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Nutritional factors, especially the two essential nutrients calcium and vitamin D, have been shown to play an important role in bone health. We wanted to determine the possible protective effect of calcium intake in adequate amounts on bone mass as assessed by quantitative ultrasound in postmenopausal women who also have a high intake of selenium. SETTING: Health district of Cáceres, Spain. PARTICIPANTS AND STUDY DESIGN: 335 postmenopausal women aged 60.9 (SD = 8.1) years. Women were stratified based on the vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium intake and the calcium/protein and calcium/phosphorous index. MEASUREMENTS: Bone status (Ad-SoS measured at the phalanges) was assessed with an ultrasound device model DBM Sonic 1200R. Food intake was quantified using dietetic scales, measuring cups, and spoons based on 7 days of diet records. Urine samples were collected the morning of testing after an overnight fast. Venous blood samples for the hematological and biochemical studies were also obtained in the fasting state. RESULTS: In the group of women with Ca intake < 800 mg / d we found a significant and negative relationship between Ad-SoS with age (ß= -4.020, F = 23.327) and selenium intake (ß = -0.419, F = 10.067), as well as a positive relationship with Ca intake (ß= 0.104 and F = 7.084) (p <0.0001 in all). In the group of women with Ca intake > 800 mg / d, age has a significant and negative relationship (ß = -4.829 and F = 106.745), whereas folic acid intake has a significant and positive relationship (ß = 0.047 and F = 5.858) (p <0.0001 in both). CONCLUSION: Elevated selenium intake negatively affects bone mass measurements in postmenopausal women over the age of 51 but only if calcium intake is also less than 800 mg / day. When calcium intake is greater than 800 mg/day, selenium did not appear to affect bone mass.
