Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
10:08

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound

Published on: December 2, 2014

Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of stroke in hypertensive patients

Telmo Pereira1, João Maldonado, Liliana Pereira

  • 1Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra - Departamento de Cardiopneumologia1, Coimbra, Portugal. telmopereira@spc.pt

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|April 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) is a significant predictor of stroke in hypertensive patients. Measuring PWV can help identify individuals at higher risk, improving cardiovascular disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death, with risk not fully explained by traditional factors.
  • Increased arterial stiffness is a key contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) predicts stroke occurrence in hypertensive patients.
  • To evaluate PWV as a prognostic marker beyond established cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, observational cohort study included 1133 hypertensive patients.
  • Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) was measured using the Complior method.
  • Detailed clinical evaluations and blood pressure measurements were performed.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive patients with increased PWV had a 4.15 times higher risk of stroke compared to those with normal PWV.
  • PWV independently predicted stroke in multivariate analysis (HR=1.40 per 1m/s increment), even after adjusting for classical risk factors.
  • Including PWV in risk models significantly improved stroke prediction (Harrell's C increased from 0.68 to 0.71).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic PWV is an independent risk factor for stroke in hypertensive individuals.
  • Integrating PWV measurement into clinical follow-up is strongly recommended for managing cardiovascular risk.
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)...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
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...
Regulation of Stroke Volume01:27

Regulation of Stroke Volume

The regulation of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps out during each heartbeat, is critical for maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Stroke volume is influenced by three main factors: preload, contractility, and afterload.
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...