Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Aortic stiffness for the detection of preclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: pulse wave velocity versus
Walter P Abhayaratna1, Wichat Srikusalanukul, Marc M Budge
1Academic Unit of Internal Medicine, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia. walter.abhayaratna@act.gov.au
Objective:
An age-dependent relationship between aortic and left ventricular (LV) stiffening has been observed in community-based adults. Our aim was to compare the performances of wave reflection-dependent (pulse pressure) and independent [carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)] indexes of aortic stiffness to detect preclinical LV diastolic dysfunction.
Methods:
In this case-control study, a stratified subsample of participants of a population-based echocardiographic survey with LV ejection fraction higher than 45% and without overt heart failure was randomly selected to undergo assessment of brachial blood pressure, LV diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography, and estimation of central aortic pressures and PWV by applanation tonometry.
Results:
Of the 233 subjects (mean age 73 +/- 6 years, 54% men), 84 had normal diastolic function, 99 had mild diastolic dysfunction, and 50 had moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction. Brachial pulse pressure, central pulse pressure, and PWV progressively increased according to the severity of diastolic dysfunction, independent of age and sex. The overall performance of PWV was superior to brachial pulse pressure [area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.70 versus 0.59, respectively; P = 0.005] and central pulse pressure (AUC: 0.70 versus 0.56, respectively; P = 0.001) for the detection of any diastolic dysfunction.
Conclusion:
PWV appeared to be superior to central and brachial pulse pressure for the detection of diastolic dysfunction in older adults with 'preserved' LV ejection fraction.
Related Concept Videos
Pulse
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Pulse amplitude and quality
A weak or absent pulse may indicate reduced cardiac output or poor left ventricular contraction, which can be signs of cardiovascular dysfunction or...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
