Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity Evaluated by 4D Flow MRI Across the Adult Lifespan
Kelly Jarvis1, Michael B Scott1,2, Gilles Soulat1
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Background:
Evaluation of aortic stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) across the adult lifespan is needed to better understand normal aging in women and men.
Purpose:
To characterize PWV in the thoracic aorta using 4D flow MRI in an age- and sex-stratified cohort of healthy adults.
Study Type:
Retrospective.
Population:
Ninety nine healthy participants (age: 46 ± 15 [19-79] years, 50% female), divided into young adults (<45 years) (N = 48), midlife (45-65 years) (N = 37), and later life (>65 years) (N = 14) groups.
Field Strength/Sequence:
1.5 T or 3 T, 2D cine bSSFP, 4D flow MRI.
Assessment:
Cardiac functional parameters of end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV) and myocardial mass were assessed by 2D cine bSSFP. PWV and aortic blood flow velocity were assessed by 4D flow MRI. Reproducibility of PWV was evaluated in a subset of nine participants.
Statistical Tests:
Analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), linear regression, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
PWV increased significantly with age (young adults: 5.4 ± 0.9 m/sec, midlife: 7.2 ± 1.1 m/sec, and later life: 9.4 ± 1.8 m/sec) (r = 0.79, slope = 0.09 m/sec/year). PWV did not differ in women and men in entire sample (P = 0.40) or within age groups (young adults: P = 0.83, midlife: P = 0.17, and later life: P = 0.96). PWV was significantly correlated with EDV (r = -0.29), ESV (r = -0.23), SV (r = -0.28), myocardial mass (r = 0.21), and mean aortic blood flow velocity (r = -0.62). In the test-retest subgroup (N = 9), PWV was 6.7 ± 1.5 [4.4-9.3] m/sec and ICC = 0.75.
Data Conclusion:
4D flow MRI quantified higher aortic PWV with age, by approximately 1 m/sec per decade, and significant differences between young adults, midlife and later life. Reproducibility analysis showed good test-retest agreement. Increased PWV was associated with decline in cardiac function and reduced aortic blood flow velocity. This study demonstrates the utility of 4D flow MRI-derived aortic PWV for studying aging.
Evidence Level:
2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:16Pulse
The pulse serves as a clinical...
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
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
01:17Pulse amplitude and quality
A weak or absent pulse may indicate reduced cardiac output or poor left ventricular contraction, which can be signs of cardiovascular dysfunction or...