Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
06:08

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Published on: February 7, 2014

Arterial stiffness measured as pulse wave velocity is highly correlated with coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic

Chiu-Shong Liu1, Chia-Ing Li, Chuen-Ming Shih

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|April 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) effectively correlates with coronary atherosclerosis. This non-invasive measure can aid in early cardiovascular disease detection and warrants inclusion in screening programs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Physiology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) is a known predictor of mortality.
  • Limited research exists on the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) and coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between arterial stiffness, measured by ba-PWV, and the presence of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • To determine if ba-PWV can predict coronary artery stenosis.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 654 patients (358 women, 296 men; mean age 54.5 years) underwent ba-PWV measurement using an automatic waveform analyzer.
  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and detection of coronary stenosis were performed using multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography.
  • Statistical analysis included logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Main Results:

  • Patients with coronary stenosis (19.4%) exhibited significantly higher mean ba-PWV and CAC scores compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • Increased ba-PWV levels were independently associated with a higher odds ratio for coronary stenosis (p for trend = 0.0001).
  • A ba-PWV cutoff of 15.64 m/s demonstrated 64.5% sensitivity and 65.6% specificity for predicting coronary artery stenosis (AUC = 0.662).

Conclusions:

  • Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) is a valuable, non-invasive indicator of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Lifestyle modifications are crucial for managing arterial stiffness and preventing cardiovascular disease progression.
  • ba-PWV measurement should be considered for early cardiovascular disease detection in community screening programs.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

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

Published on: May 3, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Pulse01:16

Pulse

When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Pulse amplitude and quality01:17

Pulse amplitude and quality

Pulse amplitude is a crucial indicator of cardiac health because it provides valuable insights into the strength of left ventricular contractions and the overall uniformity of blood circulation within the vasculature. The strength of the pulse is directly related to the force with which the heart contracts and the volume of blood being pumped.
A weak or absent pulse may indicate reduced cardiac output or poor left ventricular contraction, which can be signs of cardiovascular dysfunction or...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...