Non- invasive cardiovascular risk factors assessment among General Practitioner’s patient population- cross sectional study.

Marta Maria Niwińska, Aleksandra Danieluk, Anna Kamieńska, Sławomir Chlabicz

Keywords: prophylaxis, cardiovascular risk, non- invasive studies

Background:

Non-invasive cardiovascular risk assessment utilizes measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and advanced glycation end products (AGE). Evaluation of those factors seems promising due to the early detection and therapeutic intervention for high-risk patients in general practitioner (GP) settings.

Research questions:

This study aims to evaluate the distribution of AGE and PWV measurements as additional factors in cardiovascular risk assessment among patients attending GP practices, with a particular focus on exploring the potential relationship between these parameters.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 122 patients over the age of 50, utilizing non-invasive devices available in the Department of Family Medicine. PWV assessment was performed with devices: SphygmoCor XCEL using tonometry and Mobil-O-Graph using oscillometry. Skin AGE concentration was assessed with AGE reader, that excite autofluorescence in skin by ultra-violet light. Patients were divided into five groups, depending on AGE level. Analysis comprised medical history, including: pharmacotheraphy, comorbids, history of cardiovascular incidents, such as strokes and myocardial infarctions and physical examination elements.

Results:

The majority of patients (n=73) exhibited AGE level within a normal range (AGE=2.1). Relationship between age and AGE concentration was observed. PWV measurements performed with SphygmoCor XCEL and Mobil-O-Graph (8.6 m/s; 10.5 m/s, respectively), were highest in the group with the greatest AGE level (n=10, AGE=3.2). The percentage of hypertension occurrence (70.0%) and pharmacotherapy usage was also greatest among this group. When consider all groups with abnormal AGE level, higher prevalence of diabetes is observed comparing to the population with normal AGE concetration (30.00%; 33.3%; 12.5%; 35.0% vs. 15.1%).

Conclusions:

Preliminary findings suggest a positive relationship between AGE and PWV. However, studies on a larger population are essential to confirm such relationship. Furthermore, the value of these parameters as additional cardiovascular risk factors needs confirmation in prospective studies.

Points for discussion:

Is it possible to introduce novel, non-invasive devices in GP practice?

What are the possible benefits of evaluating parameters such as PWV and AGE?

Improving the diagnostic process in GP practice.

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