Oscillometric carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity estimated with the Vicorder device

Carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality. Noninvasive approach has made this method applicable for the examination of larger populations. This study aimed to obtain reference values of PWV measured with the Vicorder device. PWV was obtained using the oscillometric Vicorder in 318 healthy, normotensive patients (165 women, 28.7±17.6 years, range 6-83 years). A plethysmographic sensor was placed over the right carotid region to pick up the carotid pulse wave and a blood pressure cuff was placed around the upper thigh to trace the femoral pulse wave. Path length was defined as the distance from the suprasternal notch to the top of the thigh cuff. Mean PWV was 6.1±1.4 m/s and significantly increased with age (r=.842; P<.0001). PWV was associated with mean arterial pressure (r=.546; P<.0001) and body mass index (r=.396; P<.0001). In a multiple linear regression model, age, mean arterial pressure, and body height emerged as independent markers for PWV. This study established reference values for carotid to femoral PWV derived by oscillometric measures that can now be used for risk stratification.