Arterial stiffness is increased in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional comparison with matched controls

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Increased arterial stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Atherosclerosis may be increased in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aims were to determine if arterial stiffness is elevated and to evaluate correlates of arterial stiffness in SSc. METHODS: We carried out two studies: 1. a comparison of arterial stiffness in 40 SSc patients free from cardiovascular disease or significant vascular manifestations of SSc and 40 healthy controls (HC), and 2. an analysis of determinants of arterial stiffness in 80 SSc patients free from cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: In Study 1, the groups were well-matched for age (52.2 vs. 50.0 years, p=0.432) and sex (80% female..