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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

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

Published on: May 3, 2018

Vascular compliance in hypertension: therapeutic implications

Ho Won Lee1, Jocelyn Karam, Babar Hussain

  • 1State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.

Current Diabetes Reports
|July 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension is common in older adults, with many experiencing uncontrolled blood pressure. Aortic stiffening, particularly isolated systolic hypertension, contributes significantly to this condition, impacting cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Hypertension affects one in three US adults and over 70% of older individuals.
  • Inadequate blood pressure control exceeds 40% among those on antihypertensive medication.
  • Isolated systolic hypertension, linked to aortic stiffening, is prevalent in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the underlying mechanisms of aortic stiffening in older adults.
  • To investigate the role of peripheral pulse waveform analysis in assessing central aortic stiffness.
  • To clarify the debate on the primary drivers of increased pulse pressure in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of peripheral pulse waveform as a surrogate marker for central aortic stiffness.
  • Review of factors contributing to aortic wall stiffening (elastin loss, collagen synthesis, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cytokines).

Main Results:

  • Peripheral pulse waveform analysis is a recognized predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Aortic stiffening involves elastin fragmentation, increased collagen, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory cytokines.
  • The precise cause of increased pulse pressure in older adults (aortic stiffening vs. reduced diameter) remains debated.

Conclusions:

  • Isolated systolic hypertension in older adults is associated with aortic wall stiffening.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective anti-stiffening strategies.
  • Lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy are key components of managing hypertension and aortic stiffness.

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