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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Estimated pulse wave velocity is associated with residual-specific mortality: findings from the National Health and
Kevin S Heffernan1, Sae Young Jae2, Paul D Loprinzi3
1Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, New York, USA.
Introduction:
Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is emerging as a predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Approximately one-third of all deaths are not related to the top nine causes of mortality as defined by the CDC. We examined the association of ePWV with residual-specific mortality in a large sample of US adults.
Methods:
Data from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (n = 13 909 adults between the ages of 18-85 years), with follow-up through 2011 (mean follow-up, 104 months). ePWV was calculated from a regression equation using age and mean blood pressure.
Results:
After adjusting for age, pulse pressure, race/ethnicity, blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein, eGFR, smoking, self-reported physical activity, history of hypertension and diabetes, for every 1 m/s increase in ePWV, there was a 17% increased risk of residual-specific mortality (hazard ratio = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.36; P = 0.03). If using a previously recommended clinical cut-point of 10 m/s, those with an elevated ePWV had an increased risk of 57% (hazard ratio = 1.57; 95% CI = 0.98-2.50; P = 0.06).
Conclusion:
ePWV is associated with residual-specific mortality in a nationally representative sample of adults.
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