A total of 51 patients with CAD and 42 patients with normal coronary arteries as a non-CAD group were included in the study. Aortic propagation velocity was significantly lower in the CAD group (p < 0.001). A statistically significant relation was detected between aortic propagation velocity and the maximum, mean, and overall carotid intima media thickness values for right and left carotid arteries (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant relation between aortic propagation velocity, aortic strain, and aortic distensibility (r = 0.556, p < 0.001 and r = 0.483, p < 0.001 respectively).
Aortic propagation velocity is a novel and simple echocardiographic parameter of aortic stiffness which is feasible for non invasive cardiovascular risk stratification and selection of high risk individuals for CAD.