Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
06:08
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
17.8K
Pulse Wave Velocity in Postmenopausal Women
Hiromichi Suzuki1, Kazuoki Kondo2
1Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
Pulse (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 21, 2015
Summary
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) may serve as a marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Estrogen deficiency and inflammation contribute to arterial stiffness, but the precise role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular science
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis are significant health concerns for postmenopausal women.
- Overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms link atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
- Arterial stiffness, assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a predictor of mortality and is implicated in the association between CVD and osteoporosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PWV as a potential surrogate marker for CVD and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
- To explore the influence of menopause, estrogen deficiency, and inflammation on arterial stiffness.
- To examine the controversial effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on PWV in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data and studies on arterial stiffness.
- Analysis of factors influencing PWV, including cardiovascular risk factors and menopausal status.
- Evaluation of the impact of HRT on PWV in postmenopausal women.
Main Results:
- Menopause and aging are associated with increased arterial stiffness in women.
- Established cardiovascular risk factors are determinants of PWV.
- The effect of HRT on PWV in postmenopausal women is controversial and requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen deficiency and inflammatory cytokines likely contribute to increased PWV in postmenopausal women.
- PWV may serve as a surrogate marker for both CVD and osteoporosis.
- Further research is needed to clarify the complex mechanisms of arterial stiffness and the role of HRT in postmenopausal women.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Pulse
2.6K
When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical...
The pulse serves as a clinical...
2.6K
01:05Pulse
4.6K
The pulse is one of the most fundamental physiological indicators of the body's cardiovascular health. It is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arterial walls in response to the pressure generated by the heart's pumping action.
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls...
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls...
4.6K
01:28Menopause
5.1K
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
5.1K
01:17Pulse amplitude and quality
3.7K
Pulse amplitude is a crucial indicator of cardiac health because it provides valuable insights into the strength of left ventricular contractions and the overall uniformity of blood circulation within the vasculature. The strength of the pulse is directly related to the force with which the heart contracts and the volume of blood being pumped.
A weak or absent pulse may indicate reduced cardiac output or poor left ventricular contraction, which can be signs of cardiovascular dysfunction or...
A weak or absent pulse may indicate reduced cardiac output or poor left ventricular contraction, which can be signs of cardiovascular dysfunction or...
3.7K
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
2.9K
To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
2.9K
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
1.6K
Apical-Radial (A-R) Pulse Assessment
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
1.6K