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Association between pulse wave velocity and coronary atherosclerosis
Anshul Saxena1,2, Muni Rubens1,2,3, Shozab S Ali1,2
1Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Baptist Health South Florida.
Coronary Artery Disease
|June 23, 2025
Summary
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a key indicator of arterial stiffness. Increased PWV is associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and coronary artery plaque (CAP) in the general population, suggesting PWV
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a direct and accurate measure of arterial stiffness.
- Arterial stiffness is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Assessing subclinical atherosclerosis is crucial for early cardiovascular risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PWV and coronary artery calcification (CAC) and coronary artery plaque (CAP).
- To determine if PWV can predict the presence and severity of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Miami Heart Study (MiHeart).
- Primary outcome: CAC score; Secondary outcomes: presence of CAC and CAP.
- Multivariable logistic regression and Bayesian linear regression analyses were employed to assess associations.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between increased PWV and higher odds of having CAC (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18).
- Increased PWV was also significantly associated with higher odds of having CAP (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23).
- Bayesian linear regression confirmed a significant association between PWV and log CAC score.
Conclusions:
- Elevated PWV is linked to the presence and severity of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (CAC and CAP) in a general population sample.
- PWV may serve as a valuable non-invasive biomarker for detecting subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
- These findings highlight PWV's potential role in early cardiovascular risk assessment.
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