Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
05:51

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

Published on: May 3, 2018

Evaluation of blood pressure control using a new arterial stiffness parameter, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI)

Kohji Shirai1, Junji Utino, Atsuhito Saiki

  • 1Department of Vascular Function, Sakura Hospital, School of Medicine, Toho University, Chiba, Japan. kshirai@kb3.so-net.ne.jp

Current Hypertension Reviews
|June 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) measures arterial stiffness independently of blood pressure. CAVI reflects arterial wall changes and can differentiate blood pressure-lowering agents, showing promise in hypertension studies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Vascular biology
  • Hypertension management

Background:

  • Arterial stiffness is a marker for arteriosclerosis and vascular dysfunction.
  • Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a common measure, is influenced by blood pressure.
  • Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was developed to overcome PWV's limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) as a blood pressure-independent measure of arterial stiffness.
  • To explore CAVI's potential in reflecting arterial wall changes induced by antihypertensive agents.
  • To review CAVI's principles, rationale, and clinical applications, particularly in hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • CAVI is derived from the stiffness parameter β (Hayashi) and the Bramwell-Hill equation.
  • The study reviews existing data on CAVI's correlation with aging, arteriosclerotic diseases, and cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Investigated CAVI's response to antihypertensive medications like α1 blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and calcium channel antagonists.

Main Results:

  • CAVI is elevated with aging, arteriosclerotic diseases, and in individuals with coronary risk factors.
  • Administration of α1 blocker, doxazosin, decreased CAVI within 2-4 hours, suggesting it reflects organic stiffness and smooth muscle contracture.
  • Angiotensin II receptor blocker, olmesartan, reduced CAVI more significantly than amlodipine, despite similar blood pressure reductions.

Conclusions:

  • CAVI is a valuable index for assessing arterial stiffness, independent of acute blood pressure fluctuations.
  • CAVI can differentiate the effects of various antihypertensive agents on arterial stiffness.
  • CAVI holds significant potential for clinical applications in hypertension research and management.

Keywords:
Cardio-ankle vascular indexangiotensin II receptor blockersarterial stiffnesscalcium channel blockerhypertension.

More Related Videos

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging06:08

Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Published on: February 7, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)

Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg01:11

Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg

Proper measurement of leg blood pressure is a critical skill for healthcare providers, ensuring precise and reliable readings. When performed correctly, this procedure informs patient care and enhances the efficacy of interventions. The following text outlines step-by-step guidelines to measure blood pressure in the leg, providing clarity and ease of understanding for practitioners.
Preparation:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure01:10

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement