Background: Impedance Cardiography (ICG) is a non-invasive method to assess the main haemodynamic parameters: cardiac output, peripheral resistance, cardiac work, and thoracic fluid content. It provides critical information on a wide range of CV conditions, particularly hypertension and heart failure.

Objective: To study haemodynamic patterns in a defined group of patients, according to age and in a non-invasive manner.

Methods: In an observational study we analyzed haemodynamic data of 523 males out of 810 p. on primary prevention studied from DEC2010 to JAN2011.We used an Impedance Cardiograph (Z Logic (R)) following standard procedures. Data were analyzed in three groups: under 40, 40 to 59 and over 60 yrs, using boundaries for Cardiac Index(CI 2,5–4,2l/min/m2) and Peripheral Vascular Resistance Index(PVRI 1700–2600 dyn.seg.cm5.m2).

Results: Baseline data: Age 51 ± 13, SBP 137 ± 22, DBP 82 ± 11mmHg, HR 62 ±11bpm, BMI 27,7 ± 4kg/m2, 63%Hypertensives, 56%Dislypaemia.

A normal CI/normal or low PVR ratio was observed in 40% of young males, it halved in the 40–60 yrs group and was below 10% in the eldest.

The normal CI/high PVRI ratio was relatively stable, from 15% to 23%.

Finally, the low CI/high PVRI ratio rose from 27% in the young to 59% in adults and 74% in the elder, an indicator of Ventriculo-Arterial uncoupling.(see table)

Conclusion: Impedance cardiography is a non-invasive, cheap, easy-to-use and reproducible method that could provide useful information to take therapeutic decisions with CV patients.