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Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

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[Arterial pulse pressure]

Jean-Jacques Mourad1

  • 1Service de médecine interne et HTA, Hôpital Saint-Michel, 33, rue Olivier de Serres 75730 Paris. jean-jacques.mourad@hopital-saint-michel.org

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|October 16, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Arterial pulse pressure is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, even in patients with controlled blood pressure. Measuring pulse pressure is a simple, effective tool for identifying individuals at high risk for heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Vascular Medicine

Context:

  • Arterial pulse pressure (PP) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular and coronary risk.
  • Its significance is established in untreated hypertension, controlled hypertension, normal blood pressure, and high-risk populations (heart failure, post-infarction, hemodialysis).

Purpose:

  • To highlight the independent role of pulse pressure in cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications and current limitations regarding pulse pressure management.
  • To emphasize pulse pressure as a valuable screening marker.

Summary:

  • Pulse pressure, distinct from systolic, diastolic, and mean pressure, is a quantified independent risk factor for cardiovascular and coronary events.
  • This risk is evident across various patient groups, including those with controlled or normal blood pressure and high-risk populations.
  • Antihypertensive treatments show variable efficacy on pulse pressure, with new therapies emerging, but prognostic improvement via PP reduction is not yet proven.

Impact:

  • Pulse pressure measurement offers a simple and pertinent tool for clinicians to screen individuals at elevated cardiovascular and coronary risk.
  • Further research is needed to establish therapeutic strategies targeting pulse pressure reduction for improved cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Highlights the need for incorporating pulse pressure assessment into routine clinical practice for risk stratification.

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