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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Arterial stiffness is increased in young normotensive subjects with high central blood pressure
Silvia Totaro1, Philip R Khoury2, Thomas R Kimball2
1Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Abstract:
Information on high central blood pressure (CBP; HCP) in normotensive subjects (NT) and its relation to target organ damage (TOD) is not well established in young subjects. This study aimed to elucidate determinants of HCP and its relation with TOD. Anthropometrics, lab, brachial, and CBP were obtained on 430 normotensive subjects (NT; 16-24 years, 34% male, 44% Caucasian, 27% type 2 diabetes). HCP was defined as elevated CBP, with normal brachial BP. Subjects with HCP (prevalence, 16%) were more frequently female and African American, and had a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes, a more adverse metabolic profile, higher levels of inflammation, brachial BP, central pulse pressure, and heart rate compared with NT. HCP also had evidence for TOD with a significant higher carotid intima media thickness, left ventricular mass, augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, and lower brachial distensibility than NT. HCP is related to early cardiac and vascular dysfunction and remain an independent predictor of TOD even after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Preparation:
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement

