BACKGROUND:Slow coronary flow(SCF) is noted about 25% of patients with normal epicardial coronary arteries. But its relation with brachial to ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV) has not been evaluated. PURPOSE:To investigate the association of arterial stiffness and coronary flow. METHODS:The study consisted of consecutive 154 patients. SCF was defined according to corrected TIMI frame count(cTFC) method(filming speed 30 frames/sec). 56 subjects of SCF group(34male, mean age 56짹12yrs, mean maximal cTFC=46.8짹13.6) and 98 subjects of normal coronary flow(NCF) group(28male, mean age 59짹10yrs, mean maximal cTFC=26.0짹6.8) were compared. The baPWV measured with automatic waveform analyzer was used as an index of arterial stiffness. RESULTS:No significant differences in heart rate(70짹13 vs 71짹15bpm, p=0.8) and diameter of proximal coronary artery(3.3짹1.1 vs 3.2짹1.2mm, p=0.07) between both groups. In male subject, baPWV in SCF group was significantly decreased compared with NCF group.(1491짹244 vs 1782짹431cm/sec, p=0.001) Significant negative correlation was noted between baPWV and maximal cTFC in over 60yr-old male patients.(n=32, mean age 66짹4yrs, r=-0.356, p=0.046)(Figure) CONCLUSION:Decreased baPWV is associated with the SCF in men. Negative correlation between baPWV and maximal cTFC of coronary arteries is noted in old men. Further study will be needed to determine the mechanism of SCF.