From the Research
The Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality, and its prognostic value is enhanced when combined with other risk factors, such as pulse wave velocity and 24-hour pulse pressure 1. The AASI is a measure of arterial stiffness that can be calculated from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) data. It has been shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, including stroke and coronary events, in hypertensive patients 1. The AASI has also been found to be associated with increased mortality risk, particularly in patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk 1. Some studies have investigated the relationship between AASI and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) 2, 3. These studies have found that AASI is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in these patients, and that it may add predictive value to other risk factors, such as pulse wave velocity and 24-hour pulse pressure. The prognostic significance of AASI has been evaluated in several studies, including a study that followed 1200 hypertensive patients for 8.2 years 1. This study found that AASI was a significant predictor of cardiovascular events, including stroke and coronary events, and that it was associated with increased mortality risk. Another study found that AASI was a significant predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, and that it may be useful in identifying patients at high risk of adverse outcomes 2. Key points to consider when interpreting AASI results include:
- AASI is a significant predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality
- AASI is associated with increased mortality risk, particularly in patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk
- AASI may add predictive value to other risk factors, such as pulse wave velocity and 24-hour pulse pressure
- AASI has been found to be a significant predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI Overall, the AASI is a valuable tool for predicting cardiovascular risk and mortality, and its prognostic value is enhanced when combined with other risk factors. The use of AASI in clinical practice may help to identify patients at high risk of adverse outcomes and guide treatment decisions 1.