OBJECTIVETo investigate elastic changes of the radial artery, a medium-sized muscular peripheral conduit artery, in patients with borderline systolic hypertension.

METHODSUsing a non-invasive high-resolution echo-tracking device coupled to a photoplethysmography (Finapres system) allowing simultaneous arterial diameter and finger blood pressure monitoring, we measured radial artery elastic parameters of 20 patients with borderline systolic hypertension and 20 normal subjects according to Langewouters model.

RESULTSThe diameter of the radial artery of control subjects and those with borderline systolic hypertension at the isobaric level of 100 mmHg and mean arterial pressure was similar, but the compliance and distensibility at similar conditions in patients with borderline systolic hypertension did not further reduced and even increased.

CONCLUSIONIn patients with borderline systolic hypertension, the adaptive responses of the radial artery compliance and distensibility to increased pressure were directed to maintain its elasticity, contributing to the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system.