Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity with a custom device.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is one of the most widely used arterial stiffness variables for assessing vascular risk. The abiPWV is a device that calculates various PWVs and the blood pressure ankle-brachial index (ABI). The device can also determine baPWV. The aim of this study was to calculate the baPWV with abiPWV, validate it with a reference device (VaSera) and study its clinical usefulness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 113 patients (mean age, 53 ±â€¯12 years), 59 (52%) of whom were women, and 10 (8.8%) of whom had a previous cardiovascular event. The participants were classified according to cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) into group I (none), group II (1 or 2 CRFs) and group III (3 or more CRFs). The patients with a previous cardiovascular event were included in group III. All participants had their baPWV measured with abiPWV and VaSera. RESULTS: The baPWV correlation between the 2 devices was r = 0.93 (p < .001), and the percentage error calculated with the Bland-Altman analysis was 4.5%. The baPWV measured with abiPWV (in m/s) was as follows: group I, 10.5 ±â€¯1.6; group II, 13.8 ±â€¯2.9 (p < .001 when compared with group I); and group III, 14.1 ±â€¯2.7 (p < .001 when compared with group I). There were no differences between groups II and III. The results with VaSera were comparable to those of abiPWV. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring baPWV with the abiPWV is safe and has a similar clinical utility to that of VaSera. Incorporating this function into the options of abiPWV makes it a complete device for assessing arterial stiffness.

Velocidad de onda de pulso brazo-tobillo con un dispositivo propio / Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity with a custom device

Antecedentes y objetivos La velocidad de onda de pulso brazo-tobillo (VOPbt) es una de las variables de rigidez arterial más empleada en la valoración del riesgo vascular. VOPITB es un dispositivo que calcula distintas VOP y el índice tobillo-brazo de presión arterial (ITB). Además, con sus registros se podría determinar la VOPbt. El objetivo de este estudio fue: calcular la VOPbt con VOPITB, validarlo con un equipo de referencia (VaSera) y estudiar su utilidad clínica. Pacientes y métodos Se estudiaron 113 pacientes, con edad media de 53±12años; 59 (52%) eran mujeres y 10 (8,8%) presentaban evento cardiovascular previo. Los participantes se estatificaron según factores de riesgo vascular (FRV) en: grupoI, ninguno; grupoII, uno o 2; y grupoIII, 3 o más FRV. Los pacientes con algún evento vascular previo se incluyeron en el grupoIII. A todos se les midió la VOPbt con VOPITB y VaSera. Resultados La correlación de VOPbt entre ambos equipos fue r=0,93 (p<0,001) y el porcentaje de error calculado con análisis de Bland-Altman: 4,5%. La VOPbt con VOPITB fue (m/s): grupoI, 10,5±1,6 comparado con grupoII, 13,8±2,9 (p<0,001) y grupoIII, 14,1±2,7 (p<0,001). No se observaron diferencias entre gruposII y III. Los resultados obtenidos con VaSera fueron equiparables a los de VOPITB. Conclusiones La medición de la VOPbt con el equipo VOPITB es segura y de utilidad clínica similar a la realizada con VaSera. La incorporación de esta función a las prestaciones de VOPITB lo convertirá en un dispositivo completo para valorar la rigidez arterial (AU)

Background and objectives The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is one of the most widely used arterial stiffness variables for assessing vascular risk. The abiPWV is a device that calculates various PWVs and the blood pressure ankle-brachial index (ABI). The device can also determine baPWV. The aim of this study was to calculate the baPWV with abiPWV, validate it with a reference device (VaSera) and study its clinical usefulness. Patients and methods We studied 113 patients (mean age, 53±12years), 59 (52%) of whom were women, and 10 (8.8%) of whom had a previous cardiovascular event. The participants were classified according to cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) into groupI (none), groupII (1 or 2 CRFs) and groupIII (3 or more CRFs). The patients with a previous cardiovascular event were included in groupIII. All participants had their baPWV measured with abiPWV and VaSera. Results The baPWV correlation between the 2 devices was r=0.93 (P<.001), and the percentage error calculated with the Bland-Altman analysis was 4.5%. The baPWV measured with abiPWV (in m/s) was as follows: groupI, 10.5±1.6; groupII, 13.8±2.9 (P<.001 when compared with groupI); and groupIII, 14.1±2.7 (P<.001 when compared with groupI). There were no differences between groupsII and III. The results with VaSera were comparable to those of abiPWV. Conclusions Measuring baPWV with the abiPWV is safe and has a similar clinical utility to that of VaSera. Incorporating this function into the options of abiPWV makes it a complete device for assessing arterial stiffness (AU)

Factors associated with smoking susceptibility among high school students in western Spain.

The Expanded Susceptibility to Smoking Index (ESSI) is based on the combination of susceptibility to smoking and curiosity about smoking. The ESSI can identify young people who are at risk of starting to smoke cigarettes and related products. The objective of this study was to analyse the ESSI results and to examine factors associated with ESSI scores in students between 12 and 16 years of age. Sociodemographic, social/environmental and personal variables were analysed, and the ESSI value was determined for non-smoking students recruited from three schools in western Spain. Regression models were used to examine the factors associated with smoking for the entire sample and the factors associated with ESSI scores in the non-smoking population. Of the 377 participants who were analysed, 20.4% were smokers. Among the non-smokers, 53.5% and 55.3% presented medium-high ESSI scores for cigarettes and e-cigarettes, respectively, and 39.8% presented medium-high ESSI scores for hookah use. A higher ESSI score was associated with greater exposure to people smoking in the home, having more friends who smoke, alcohol consumption, and a higher impulsivity scale score. These findings reinforce the importance of reducing peer pressure and suggest the important role of resolve under conditions of positive affect on reducing impulsivity. Approaches based on self-efficacy could be addressed in preventive programmes developed in educational settings.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity with a custom device. / Velocidad de onda de pulso brazo-tobillo con un dispositivo propio.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is one of the most widely used arterial stiffness variables for assessing vascular risk. The abiPWV is a device that calculates various PWVs and the blood pressure ankle-brachial index (ABI). The device can also determine baPWV. The aim of this study was to calculate the baPWV with abiPWV, validate it with a reference device (VaSera) and study its clinical usefulness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 113 patients (mean age, 53±12years), 59 (52%) of whom were women, and 10 (8.8%) of whom had a previous cardiovascular event. The participants were classified according to cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) into groupI (none), groupII (1 or 2 CRFs) and groupIII (3 or more CRFs). The patients with a previous cardiovascular event were included in groupIII. All participants had their baPWV measured with abiPWV and VaSera. RESULTS: The baPWV correlation between the 2 devices was r=0.93 (P<.001), and the percentage error calculated with the Bland-Altman analysis was 4.5%. The baPWV measured with abiPWV (in m/s) was as follows: groupI, 10.5±1.6; groupII, 13.8±2.9 (P<.001 when compared with groupI); and groupIII, 14.1±2.7 (P<.001 when compared with groupI). There were no differences between groupsII and III. The results with VaSera were comparable to those of abiPWV. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring baPWV with the abiPWV is safe and has a similar clinical utility to that of VaSera. Incorporating this function into the options of abiPWV makes it a complete device for assessing arterial stiffness.

[Evaluation of quality of life, social stigma and treatment adherence in patients with epilepsy in the Caceres Healthcare Area: a cross-sectional study]. / Valoracion de la calidad de vida, estigma social y adhesion al tratamiento en pacientes con epilepsia del Area de Salud de Caceres: estudio transversal.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a chronic disease with high prevalence. Its impact in the quality of life is influenced by factors like disease characteristics, comorbidities, stigma perception and treatment adherence. AIM: To assess the quality of life, the social stigma and the treatment adherence of patients with epilepsy in our area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. We analyzed data on quality of life (QUOLIE-10), social stigma and treatment adherence through different questionnaires. RESULTS: 40 patients were studied. The mean age was 42.43 ± 17.20 years, and the onset of epilepsy was 25.88 ± 16.81 years. 55% were women. The score in the quality of life questionnaire was 19.28 ± 8.03 points in men and 17.00 ± 7.69 for women, this difference being not significant. There were also no significant differences for social stigma, with a mean of 11.50 ± 13.47 points in men and 6.00 ± 10.36 points for women (p = 0.152). According to the treatment adherence questionnaire (Morisky-Green), 70% of the patients studied were compliant with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with epilepsy in our environment have a good quality of life, probably related to good treatment adherence and compliance. There is low perceived social stigma but people with epilepsy still trend to hide their condition.

TITLE: Valoracion de la calidad de vida, estigma social y adhesion al tratamiento en pacientes con epilepsia del Area de Salud de Caceres: estudio transversal.Introduccion. La epilepsia es una enfermedad cronica, con elevada prevalencia. La repercusion de la epilepsia en la calidad de vida de las personas que la padecen se ve influida por factores como las caracteristicas de la enfermedad, la presencia de comorbilidad, la percepcion de estigma social y la adhesion al tratamiento. Objetivo. Valorar la calidad de vida, el estigma social y la adhesion al tratamiento de pacientes con epilepsia de nuestra area. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Se recogieron datos sociodemograficos y clinicos. Analizamos datos sobre la calidad de vida (Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10), el estigma social y la adhesion al tratamiento a traves de diferentes cuestionarios. Resultados. Se estudio a 40 pacientes, con una media de edad de 42,43 ± 17,2 años y una media de edad de inicio de la epilepsia de 25,88 ± 16,81 años. El 55% fueron mujeres. La puntuacion en el cuestionario sobre calidad de vida fue de 19,28 ± 8,03 puntos para los hombres y 17,00 ± 7,69 para las mujeres, y esta diferencia no fue significativa. Tampoco se observaron diferencias significativas para el estigma social: media de 11,50 ± 13,47 puntos para los hombres y 6,00 ± 10,36 para las mujeres (p = 0,152). Segun el cuestionario de adhesion terapeutica (Morisky-Green), el 70% de los pacientes fue cumplidor del tratamiento. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con epilepsia tienen una buena calidad de vida, que creemos atribuible a la buena adhesion y el cumplimiento del tratamiento. Se detecta una baja percepcion de estigma social, pero los pacientes tienden a ocultar el diagnostico.

La velocidad de onda de pulso de la pierna menos brazo medida con un dispositivo propio se correlaciona con la cuantificación de calcio coronario / Pulse wave velocity of the leg minus that of the arm measured with a custom device correlates to the coronary calcium quantification

Objetivo. La medida de la velocidad de onda de pulso (VOP) en las grandes arterias es un indicador de riesgo vascular. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar el índice de VOP entre brazos y piernas que mejor se correlaciona con la cuantificación del calcio coronario (CCC) y compararlo con otros métodos. Material y métodos. A 81 pacientes sin enfermedad vascular, a los que se les había determinado la CCC, se les midió el grosor íntima-media carotídeo (GIM), la VOP carótido-femoral (VOP cf) con COMPLIOR y la VOP en brazos y piernas con un dispositivo propio (VOPITB: VOP índice tobillo brazo). Resultados. La VOP de pierna menos brazo (VOP P-B) determinado con VOPITB fue el índice mejor correlacionado con la CCC (r=0,401, p<0,001). Las correlaciones del GIM y VOP cf con la CCC fueron: r=0,366, p=0,001 y r=0,385, p=0,001, respectivamente. Con referencia a una puntuación de la CCC mayor de 100 como marcador de arterosclerosis coronaria significativa, las áreas bajo la curva fueron para VOP P-B de 0,721 (p=0,002), GIM: 0,758 (p<0,001) y VOP cf: 0,636 (p=0,058). Conclusiones. En pacientes sin enfermedad vascular la VOP P-B medida con VOPITB parece ser el índice que mejor correlaciona con la CCC. Esta asociación es comparable con la que mantienen el GIM y la VOP cf con la CCC. VOPITB es un dispositivo fácil de manejar que puede contribuir a mejorar la estratificación del riesgo vascular (AU)

Objective. The pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the great arteries is an indicator of vascular risk. Our objective was to identify the PWV index between the arms and legs that best correlates with the coronary calcium quantification (CCQ) and to compare it with other methods. Material and methods. Eight-one patients without vascular disease underwent the following measurements: CCQ; carotid intima-media thickness (IMT); carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV), using COMPLIOR; and PWV in the arms and legs, with our own device (abiPWV, ankle brachial index PWV). Results. The difference in PWVs between the leg and arm (l-a PWV) measured with abiPWV was the index that best correlated with CCQ (r=0.401, P<.001). The correlation between IMT and CCQ and between CF-PWV and CCQ were r=0.366, P=.001; and r=0.385, P=.001, respectively. For a CCQ score higher than 100 as a marker of significant coronary arteriosclerosis, the areas under the curve for l-a PWV, IMT and cfPWV were 0.721 (P=.002), 0.758 (P<.001) and 0.636 (P=.058), respectively. Conclusions. For patients without vascular disease, the l-a PWV measured with abiPWV appears to be the index that best correlates with the CCQ. This association is comparable to that between IMT and CCQ and between cfPWV and CCQ. The abiPWV is an easy-to-use device that can help improve vascular risk stratification (AU)

[Pulse wave velocity of the leg minus that of the arm measured with a custom device correlates to the coronary calcium quantification]. / La velocidad de onda de pulso de la pierna menos brazo medida con un dispositivo propio se correlaciona con la cuantificación de calcio coronario.

OBJECTIVE: The pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the great arteries is an indicator of vascular risk. Our objective was to identify the PWV index between the arms and legs that best correlates with the coronary calcium quantification (CCQ) and to compare it with other methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight-one patients without vascular disease underwent the following measurements: CCQ; carotid intima-media thickness (IMT); carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV), using COMPLIOR; and PWV in the arms and legs, with our own device (abiPWV, ankle brachial index PWV). RESULTS: The difference in PWVs between the leg and arm (l-a PWV) measured with abiPWV was the index that best correlated with CCQ (r=0.401, P<.001). The correlation between IMT and CCQ and between CF-PWV and CCQ were r=0.366, P=.001; and r=0.385, P=.001, respectively. For a CCQ score higher than 100 as a marker of significant coronary arteriosclerosis, the areas under the curve for l-a PWV, IMT and cfPWV were 0.721 (P=.002), 0.758 (P<.001) and 0.636 (P=.058), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients without vascular disease, the l-a PWV measured with abiPWV appears to be the index that best correlates with the CCQ. This association is comparable to that between IMT and CCQ and between cfPWV and CCQ. The abiPWV is an easy-to-use device that can help improve vascular risk stratification.