Pulse Wave Velocity of 8.2 m/s as a Threshold Associated with Cardiovascular Target Organ Damage Presence

Previous studies have established normal and reference values for Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV). However, the PWV value that has the strongest association with cardiovascular biomarkers remains poorly understood.

This study aimed to determine the PWV value more likely to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), increased intima-media thickness (IMT), and presence of carotid plaques in patients with hypertension.

This cross-sectional study included 119 patients. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed for each cardiovascular biomarker. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

According to the ROC curve analysis, the PWV values were 8.1 m/s, 8.2 m/s, and 8.7 for the LVH, IMT, and presence of carotid plaques, respectively. A PWV value of 8.2 m/s was identified as the best parameter to determine the three TOD biomarkers. PWV above 8.2 m/s was associated with increased CIMT (p = 0.004) and the presence of carotid plaques (p = 0.003) and LVH (p<0.001). PWV above 8.2 showed greater sensitivity for increased CIMT (AUC = 0.678, sensitivity = 62.2), LVH (AUC = 0.717, sensitivity = 87.2), and the presence of plaques (AUC = 0.649, sensitivity = 74.51) in the ROC curve analysis.

The PWV value 8.2 m/s was more sensitive in early identifying the existence of cardiovascular biomarkers of TOD.