Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness that describes the speed at which a pressure wave travels through the arterial system. It is a key indicator of cardiovascular health and has been shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
PWV is typically measured by recording the time it takes for a pressure wave to travel between two points in the arterial system. The two most common methods for measuring PWV are the carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) and the femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV).
The cfPWV measures the time it takes for a pressure wave to travel from the carotid artery in the neck to the femoral artery in the groin. This measurement is taken by placing pressure sensors (tonometers) on both the carotid and femoral arteries and measuring the time delay between the two pressure waves.
The faPWV measures the time it takes for a pressure wave to travel from the femoral artery in the groin to the ankle. This measurement is taken by placing pressure cuffs on both the ankle and the upper thigh and measuring the time delay between the two pressure waves.
Both methods have been shown to be reliable and valid measures of arterial stiffness, with the cfPWV considered the gold standard.
Arterial stiffness is a natural part of the aging process, but it can also be influenced by various lifestyle factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Elevated PWV values have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors.
PWV measurements can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health, such as lifestyle changes or medication therapy. For example, studies have shown that exercise training can lead to improvements in PWV values, indicating a reduction in arterial stiffness.
In summary, pulse wave velocity is a valuable tool for assessing arterial stiffness and predicting cardiovascular risk. Measuring PWV can help identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease and monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health.