How do you measure pulse wave velocity?

PWV is most commonly measured as the time it takes a pulse wave to travel from the carotid to the femoral arteries divided by the distance multiplied by 0.8, and is consequently a marker of aortic stiffness.

What is pulse wave velocity test?

The Pulse Wave Velocity assessment is performed using an infrared finger clip probe that measures blood volume changes. The amount of light absorbed is directly proportionate to the volume of blood in the finger. When the heart contracts, it produces a direct wave that travels down to the finger.

What is the velocity of pulse wave propagation?

The pulse wave in man travels in the arteries at a speed of 4 to 10 metres per second. Its velocity depends, to a small degree, on the velocity of the blood in the artery considered, but chiefly upon the elastic condition of the arterial wall, which is affected by a variety of factors in health and disease.

Is pulse wave velocity accurate?

With the same imaging parameters, pulse-wave velocity can be measured for 1.4 cm of vessel with 10% accuracy. This shows the potential of this technique for the measurement of truly local pulse-wave velocity.

What influences pulse wave velocity?

Pulse wave velocity increased with age and BP category; the increase with age being more pronounced for higher BP categories and the increase with BP being more important for older subjects. The distribution of PWV with age and BP category is described and reference values for PWV are established.

What factors affect pulse wave velocity?

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is one of the most widely used surrogates of arterial stiffness [1]. Previous studies demonstrated that PWV is associated with various factors such as age, gender, salt intake, genetic factors, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) [2, 3].

What is normal pulse wave velocity?

Normal PWV and the 95% confidence intervals values were obtained in 780 subjects (39.8 ± 18.5 years) divided into 7 age groups (10–98 years). The mean PWV found was 6.84 m/s ± 1.65.

Why does pulse wave velocity increases with age?

With age, or due to changes in the arterial wall, these vessels become stiffer and the speed at which the pressure wave moves through the system is increased. In addition, there are reflected pressure waves that move back towards the heart at the end of the systolic period.

How can I lower my pulse wave velocity?

Anyone can lower Pulse Wave Velocity Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, and managing cholesterol levels can help improve Pulse Wave Velocity measurements and consequently improve your overall cardiovascular health.

What affects pulse wave velocity?

Introduction. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is one of the most widely used surrogates of arterial stiffness [1]. Previous studies demonstrated that PWV is associated with various factors such as age, gender, salt intake, genetic factors, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) [2, 3].

What is the definition of pulse wave velocity?

Pulse wave velocity is the velocity at which the arterial pulse propagates through the circulatory system. PWV is used clinically as a measure of arterial stiffness.

How is arterial wall stiffness related to pulse wave velocity?

The relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial wall stiffness can be derived from Newton’s second law of motion ( {\\displaystyle ho } ) and the acceleration. The approach for calculating PWV is similar to the calculation of the speed of sound, {\\displaystyle {ho }} is the density of the fluid.

Can a pulse wave velocity be a marker of end organ damage?

Current guidelines by the European Society of Hypertension state that a measured PWV larger than 10 m/s can be considered an independent marker of end-organ damage. However, the use of a fixed PWV threshold value is debated, as PWV is dependent on blood pressure . A high pulse wave velocity (PWV) has also been associated with poor lung function.

How are pulse waves collected in the cardiovascular system?

This causes more work on the Cardiovascular system due to the increased afterload on the ventricle resulting in a greater systolic pressure needed to overcome this afterload. PWV can be collected by using two pressure catheters placed a known distance from one another, referred to as the Pulse Wave Distance.