Cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerosis and pulse pressure.

Blood pressure is a complex phenomenon that can be divided into two components: a steady and a pulsatile component. The pulsatile component is estimated by the pulse pressure which is mainly influenced by the large artery stiffness. The purpose of this review was to describe the relation between pulse pressure, cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies have shown positive correlations between pulse pressure and smoking or glucose metabolism impairment. More controversial data have been reported on the relation between blood lipids and large artery stiffness or pulse pressure. In cross-sectional studies, carotid, aortic and coronary plaques were associated with aortic stiffness, particularly echogenic or ulcerative plaques, and in a longitudinal study, the progression of atherosclerosis is accompanied by an increase in pulse pressure. From a pathophysiological point of view, the deleterious influence of most risk factors on endothelial function and the development of atheroma are likely to contribute to these relations. Furthermore, with respect to the connections observed between C-reactive protein, most cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerotic diseases and pulse pressure, subclinical inflammation might also underlie these relations.