The relationship between coronary slow flow phenomenon and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity and aortic elastic properties

Abstract

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between coronary slow flow (CSF) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV).

Methods

78 (27 women, mean age 43.95 ± 7.28) patients with CSF, and 70 (22 women, mean age 44.34 ± 7.08) healthy individuals were included in the study. Arterial stiffness measurement was performed to both groups via CFPWV, which is considered the gold standard. Aortic elastic properties (ASI-β and aortic distensibility) were evaluated in both groups.

Results

The CSF group had significantly higher CFPWV and aortic distensibility values and significantly lower ASI-β values compared to the control group. There was a positive correlation between TIMI frame count (TFC) obtained in all coronary arteries and CFPWV and aortic distensibility, and a negative correlation between TFC and ASI-β. It was determined that CFPWV predicted CSF with 97% specificity and 98% sensitivity at a 7.68 cut-off value (ROC area = 994, p < 0.001). ASI-β was determined to predict CSF with 64% specificity and 47% sensitivity at a 2.98 cut-off value (ROC area = 047, p < 0.001). Aortic distensibility was determined to predict CSF with 76% specificity and 79% sensitivity at a 3.94 cut-off value (ROC area = 706, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Arterial stiffness increases in CSF patients, suggesting that CSF is a systemic pathology rather than a local disease and that a systemic cause such as atherosclerosis plays a role in etiology.