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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
06:08
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Pulse wave velocity reference values in healthy adults aged 26-75 years
T Koivistoinen1, T Kööbi, A Jula
1Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical School, University of Tampere, and Tampere University Hopsital, Tampere, Finland. teemu.koivistoinen@uta.fi
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|April 21, 2007
Summary
Arterial stiffening, a marker of cardiovascular disease, can now be assessed with reliable reference values for pulse wave velocity (PWV). This study establishes these values, aiding early detection of vascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Vascular diagnostics
Background:
- Arterial stiffening is linked to cardiovascular diseases.
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measures arterial stiffening but lacks established reference values for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a range of reference values for PWV in an apparently healthy population.
- To assess the feasibility of whole-body impedance cardiography (ICG) for PWV measurement.
Main Methods:
- PWV was measured using whole-body impedance cardiography (ICG) in 799 individuals (aged 25-76).
- A subset of 283 individuals with no cardiovascular disease and low risk factors represented the healthy population.
Main Results:
- PWV was significantly higher in males than females (P<0.001).
- PWV increased with age in both sexes.
- Young and middle-aged males exhibited higher PWV than females; no significant difference was observed in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Whole-body ICG is a practical method for PWV measurement.
- Established PWV reference values can aid in clinical management and early detection of vascular disease or cardiovascular risk.
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