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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Change in Pulse Wave Velocity and Short-Term Development of Cardiovascular Events in the Hemodialysis Population
Serge Korjian1, Yazan Daaboul1, Balsam El-Ghoul2
1Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Lebanon.
Insights
The change in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) over two years, not single measurements, predicts short-term cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring arterial stiffness progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness.
- Previous studies suggest cfPWV is associated with cardiovascular (CV) events, primarily late events.
- The predictive value of cfPWV changes for short-term CV events in hemodialysis patients is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the association of single cfPWV measurements versus the 2-year change in cfPWV (delta cfPWV) with short-term CV events.
- To investigate the predictive value of cfPWV dynamics for new CV events in hemodialysis patients within 12 months.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving hemodialysis patients (n=66).
- cfPWV measured at baseline (t=0) and after two years (t=1).
- Patients followed for 12 months for CV event development; Cox regression analysis used.
Main Results:
- The 2-year change in cfPWV (delta cfPWV) was significantly associated with the development of CV events (HR=1.14, P=.002).
- Single cfPWV measurements at t=0 or t=1 were not associated with new CV events within 12 months.
- History of CV events was also a strong predictor (HR=8.9, P=.03).
Conclusions:
- The change in cfPWV over a two-year period, rather than a single measurement, is associated with short-term cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients.
- Monitoring the progression of arterial stiffness through serial cfPWV measurements may improve CV risk prediction in this population.
Abstract:
The association between single measurements of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and cardiovascular (CV) events is driven by late events beyond 12 months of follow-up. This prospective study compares single measurements of cfPWV vs the 2-year delta cfPWV and the association with short-term development of CV events in hemodialysis patients. cfPWV was performed at t=0 and t=1 two years later, and patients were followed-up for development of CV events through 12 months (n=66). In Cox regression models adjusted for CV risk factors, history of CV events and delta cfPWV remained associated with the development of CV events (hazard ratio for prior CV events=8.9, P=.03; hazard ratio for delta cfPWV=1.14; P=.002). When delta cfPWV was substituted for single cfPWV measurement, none of the single measures were associated with new CV events. The change in cfPWV, but not single measurements of cfPWV, was associated with the development of CV events through 12 months.
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