Increased aortic wave reflection contributes to higher systolic blood pressure in adolescents born preterm

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the wave reflection characteristics in the aortic arch and common carotid artery of ex-preterm adolescents and assess their relationship to central blood pressure in a cohort followed prospectively since birth. Methods: Central blood pressures, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, microvascular reactive hyperemia, arterial distensibility, compliance and stiffness index, and also aortic and carotid wave intensity were measured in 18-year-olds born extremely preterm at below 28 weeks' gestation (n=76) and term-born controls (n=42). Results: Compared with controls, ex-preterm adolescents had higher central systolic (111±11 vs. 105±10mmHg; P<0.001) and diastolic blood ..