Abstract

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between between one’s quality of life (QoL) level and the arterial stiffness estimated by the second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) for women patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on charts of 407 women patients (38.38±11.82 years) who visited Gangdong Kyung Hee Hospital between April 1st and September 30th, 2011. Vascular aging index (VAI, (b-c-d)/a), b/a, c/a, and d/a were considered as the arterial stiffness indexes, and the Korean version of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) were completed to estimate one’s physical and mental QoL. Results: Physical and mental components of the SF-36 in older group (50, 60, and 70 years-group) were lower than those in younger group (20 and 30 years-group). Large arterial stiffness-related b/a in older group was higher that in younger group, while small arterial stiffness-related d/a in older group was lower that in younger group. Physical and mental component scores of the SF-36 had the negative correlations with VAI and b/a (r; -0.153~-0.195), while had the positive correlations with c/a and d/a (r; 0.147~0.228). Conclusions: In conclusion, this study suggests that convenient and cost-effective SDPTG test may serve as an auxiliary tool to estimate one’s physical and mental QoL.