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Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Association Between White Blood Cell Counts and Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Chinese Hypertensive Adults: A
Buyun Jia1, Chongfei Jiang2, Yun Song2
1College of Integrative Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Higher white blood cell (WBC) counts are linked to increased arterial stiffness in adults with hypertension. This finding suggests a connection between WBC levels and cardiovascular risk factors like brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Increased arterial stiffness is common in hypertensive patients, elevating cardiovascular risk.
- Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts may independently contribute to arterial stiffness and cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between differential white blood cell (WBC) counts and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in adults with hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multivariate linear regression model for correlation analysis.
- Included 14,390 participants in the final analysis.
- Assessed WBC counts as continuous variables, categories, and quartiles.
Main Results:
- Higher WBC counts showed a significant positive association with greater baPWV (adjusted β = 10; 95% CI, 8-13; P < .001).
- This association remained significant when WBC counts were analyzed in categories or quartiles.
- Differential WBC subtypes, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, also demonstrated similar positive associations with baPWV.
Conclusions:
- Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is positively associated with differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in hypertensive adults.
- Elevated WBC counts may serve as a potential biomarker for arterial stiffness in this population.
- Further research could explore the clinical implications of these findings for cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertension.
Abstract:
Increased arterial stiffness is highly prevalent in patients with hypertension and is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. Increased white blood cell (WBC) counts may also be an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness and CV events. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between differential WBC counts and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in hypertensive adults. A total of 14 390 participants were included in the final analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was applied for the correlation analysis of WBC count and baPWV. Higher WBC counts were associated with a greater baPWV: adjusted β = 10 (95% CI, 8-13, P < .001). The same significant association was also found when WBC count was assessed as categories or quartiles. In addition, the effect of differential WBC subtypes, including neutrophil count and lymphocyte count on baPWV, showed the similar results. These findings showed that baPWV has positive associations with differential WBC counts in hypertensive adults.
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)
Sites for measruring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
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.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
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