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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
05:51
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
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Arterial stiffness and its influence on cerebral morphology and cognitive function
Melanie Haidegger1, Simon Lindenbeck1, Edith Hofer1,2
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders
|June 26, 2023
Summary
Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is linked to reduced brain volume in older adults. Night-time PWV is particularly associated with brain atrophy, highlighting its importance in cerebrovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Arterial stiffness, assessed via pulse wave velocity (PWV), is increasingly linked to cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), brain atrophy, and vascular dementia.
- Circadian blood pressure fluctuations are known determinants of end-organ damage, yet the role of 24-hour PWV variability remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between arterial stiffness (PWV) and its circadian changes with brain morphology and cognitive function in community-dwelling individuals.
- To determine if PWV or its variability impacts brain structure and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, community-based follow-up study of 84 elderly participants from the Austrian Stroke Prevention Family Study.
- Ambulatory 24-hour PWV measurement, 3-Tesla MRI for white matter hyperintensity and brain volume assessment.
- Neuropsychological testing battery for cognitive function evaluation in a subgroup.
Main Results:
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly associated with reduced total brain volume, independent of blood pressure and its variability (p=0.013).
- No association was found between PWV and markers of cerebral SVD or cognitive impairment.
- Night-time PWV values showed a significant association with global brain atrophy (p=0.005).
Conclusions:
- Arterial stiffness is related to reduced total brain volume in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
- Elevated night-time PWV is more critical than day-time measures for brain atrophy.
- Circadian variations in arterial stiffness may play a significant role in brain health and aging.
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