Aim: 24-h ambulatory monitoring (AM) of central blood pressure (BP) and augmentation index (AIx) is a new method that extends understanding of the characteristics of BP and arterial properties. The aim of the study was to explore characteristics of central pulse wave and AIx on AM of brachial and central BP in age subgroups.

Methods: Successful AM of brachial and central BP was done with oscillometric BPLab VASOTENS system (OOO Petr Telegin, Russia) in 84 untreated hypertensive subjects (55,8±9,6 years, male 36,9%). Gender differences of central BP and AIx were evaluated in patients <55 years (14 men, 23 women), 55–60 years (7 men, 16 women), 61–70 years (10 men, 14 women). Differences were considered significant if p<0,05.

Results: Brachial day/night SBP was similar in age subgroups: <55 years 140±15/130±18, 55–60 years 139±17/136±22, 61–70 years 137±19/132±23 mmHg. Increase in day- and night-time brachial PP was observed from younger to older patients due to the reduction of diastolic DBP: <55 years brachial PP day/night 53±12/52±12, 55–60 years 57±11/57±13, 61–70 years 57±12/58±16 mmHg, <55 years DBP day/night 87±11/78±11, 55–60 years 84±9/79±12, 61–70 years 81±9/73±12 mmHg. Aortic day/night PP trend was similar: <55 years 42±9/43±10, 55–60 years 45±10/48±12, 61–70 years 47±12/50±14 mmHg. AIx@HR75 also increased with age, and this increase was observed both during day- and night-time: <55 years AIx day/night 24±18/31±17, 55–60 years 28±16/38±16, 61–70 years 33±15/42±12%.

Conclusion: 24-h AM of central BP revealed age-related increase in aortic PP and AIx both for day- and night-time