[Pulse wave velocity - a useful tool in assessing the stiffness of the arteries]

Measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a simple and noninvasive way to assess stiffness of the arteries. PWV measurement can refer to both the aorta and peripheral arterial vessels. Currently, the most clinically significant is the measurement of PWV between the carotid artery and the femoral artery, which is defined as the speed of the aortic pulse wave. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significance of prognostic PWV aortic measurement as a recognized exponent of subclinical organ damage both among the general population as well as among patients with increased cardiovascular risk, examining patients in detail with hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal failure. The prognostic value of PWV aortic measurement was reflected in the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). In clinical trials, the repeatability and reproducibility of PWV measurements were also evaluated, both parameters being considered satisfactory. The paper presents reports from studies on the significance of pulse wave velocity results in the prognosis assessment in different disease entities as well as in age groups.