LAUSR

Objectives: We have demonstrated that generation of aortic flow velocity waves from a model of aortic pressure and impedance can be achieved. In this study, we attempted to relate generated aortic flow waves with cardiovascular (CV) events. Methods: Data were collected from 165 subjects (table, age 30–83 y) at Cardiology Department, Klinikum Wels in 2008. Aortic flow waveforms were generated from aortic pressure waves (derived from tonometric radial waveforms using SphygmoCor 8.1 (AtCor Medical), based on known age-related changes in aortic impedance (J Hypertens 2016;34S1:e209–10), using mathematical relations (Matlab v2014). Calculated aortic flow indices were combined with aortic pressure indices determined during radial tonometry acquisition. Results: Angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD) was confirmed in 65 patients. During a follow-up duration of 4.2 years, 40 combined CV events occurred (16 deaths, 6 myocardial infarctions, 5 strokes, 17 coronary revascularizations). Ejection fraction (angiography) is directly related to pressure augmentation index (r = 0.35, p < 0.001), and inversely related to flow augmentation index (r =  − 0.17, p = 0.045). Compared to patients without CAD, patients with CAD have a higher invasive aortic pulse wave velocity (8.9 vs 8.1 m/sec, p = 0.04), a lower mean flow velocity (8.8 vs 10.0 cm/s, p = 0.003), a lower flow augmentation index (−21 vs − 16.6 %, p = 0.01), and a lower pressure form factor (40.5 vs 42.6 mm Hg, p = 0.002). Flow form factor was a predictor of cardiovascular events (HR 0.89, CI 0.82–0.96, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Pressure-derived aortic flow waves can be associated with cardiac function parameters and may assist in prediction of CV events. Further study is warranted to establish its clinical values, especially where cardiac magnetic resonance is contradicted.