Comparative effects of aging in men and women on the properties of the arterial tree

OBJECTIVES We measured the properties of the arterial tree, seeking differe nces between men and women as they aged. BACKGROUND There are many differences between men and women, besides menopa use, which might account for such disparities. These include body height, h eart rate, stroke volume and smaller arterial diameters. Any gender differe nces in arterial stiffness could influence pulse pressure (PP), now recogni zed as a cardiovascular risk factor. METHODS A total of 530 patients (347 men and 183 women) were classified by age into quartiles: less than or equal to 40, 41-47, 48-54 and greater than or equal to 55 years. The middle groups represented the menopausal years. Studies included brachial artery blood pressure (RP), aortic pulse wave vel ocity (PWV), B-mode ultrasonography and wave form analysis of the common ca rotid artery (CCA), with its conversion to the aortic wave form. Standard e chocardiography provided left ventricular dimensions and flows. Calculated values included CCA compliance and distensibility, systemic compliance, str oke volume and peripheral resistance. RESULTS At all ages, women had higher heart rates but lower BP than men. Pu lse pressure, however, was lower in young women and higher in older women. Measurements influenced by body size, such as CCA diameter, compliance and systemic compliance, were lower in women. Those related to arterial wall pr operties, such as CCA and aortic distensibility, were the same. Although ao rtic PWV rose similarly with aging, PWV had more of an influence on PP in w omen than did mean BP. The reverse was true in men. CONCLUSIONS Despite lower mean BP and similar arterial distensibility, wome n develop a higher degree of pulsatility with aging, as compared with men. This is mainly due to their smaller physical characteristics, independent o f the role of menopause and its related hormonal changes, (J Am Coll Cardio l 2001;37:1374-80) (C) 2001 by the American College of Cardiology.