[Pulse wave velocity and arterial distensibility. Changes during rest and exertion]

The measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) is one of the oldest methods of evaluating the dynamic properties of the arterial wall and also one of the most simple. Its value has been proven clinically by epidemiological studies as its value is directly related to changes in arterial structure with aging and hypertension. However, clinical measurement of PWV is an indirect method, and although simple in theory it may provide diverging results because of the large number of structural and functional parameters which influence the transmission of the pressure wave. This explains the difficulties encountered in determining a representative reference value for PWV. Nevertheless, for interpretation of the results, the data provided by PWV measurement about arterial distensibility underline the importance in all measurements of arterial compliance of taking into account the site and conditions of measurement in order to evaluate the variability and physiological role of the arterial segment under study.