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Updated: May 10, 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

Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity as metrics for evaluating pathologic ageing of the cardiovascular system

Peter M Nilsson1, Payam Khalili, Stanley S Franklin

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital , Malmö , Sweden.

Blood Pressure
|June 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Chronological aging increases cardiovascular risk by stiffening arteries, raising blood pressure, and increasing vascular resistance. Lifestyle changes and risk factor management are key to protecting against early vascular aging (EVA).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Gerontology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular system changes significantly with chronological aging.
  • Increased vascular resistance and arterial stiffness are hallmarks of aging vasculature, termed early vascular aging (EVA).
  • EVA elevates cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals over 50.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To understand the impact of aging on cardiovascular hemodynamics.
  • To identify key markers and clinical implications of early vascular aging (EVA).
  • To highlight the importance of vascular protection strategies against EVA.

Main Methods:

  • Assessment of hemodynamic changes related to aging.
  • Measurement of arterial stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV).
  • Clinical evaluation of blood pressure and pulse pressure in aging populations.

Main Results:

  • Aging leads to increased peripheral vascular resistance and central elastic artery stiffness.
  • Clinical manifestations include elevated systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and c-f PWV (≥ 10 m/s indicates high risk).
  • Early vascular aging (EVA) is a significant risk marker for cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

  • Managing cardiovascular risk factors and improving lifestyle are crucial for vascular protection in EVA.
  • Targeted interventions may benefit individuals with a family history of early-onset cardiovascular disease.
  • Understanding EVA is fundamental for mitigating age-related cardiovascular risk.

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