EARLY VASCULAR AGING SYNDROME AS A CLINICAL MARKER OF VASCULAR WALL DAMAGE SEVERITY IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AFTER ISCHEMIC STROKE

The purpose of the study: a comprehensive assessment of the vascular wall damage severity on the parameters of endothelial function and the arterial stiffness with the determination of vascular age in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) of varying severity and in patients with AH who underwent ischemic stroke. Material and methods: 166 persons were examined and divided into the groups depending on the severity of AH and the presence of ischemic stroke. Markers of endothelial function and arterial stiffness parameter were determined. Results. Forearm blood flow, ankle-brachial index in patients with AH were lower compared to healthy persons. Pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) were higher compared to healthy persons. Conclusions: Functional changes of the vascular wall were revealed in healthy individuals. In patients with AH and with AH who underwent ischemic stroke, both functional changes and morphological disturbances were revealed. Vascular age in patients with AH who underwent ischemic stroke is higher than the real one. The value of CAVI and systolic blood pressure influence the value of vascular age in healthy individuals and in patients with AH.