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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Central Arterial Pressure Waveform Technology for Arterial Stiffness Assessment
Mary G Carey1, Elizabeth Anson1, Joyce A Smith1
1University of Rochester School of Nursing.
Insights
Arterial stiffness, a key cardiovascular disease risk factor, can be assessed non-invasively. Pulse wave analysis and velocity measurements offer valuable insights into cardiovascular health for clinical and research applications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Arterial stiffness is a primary driver of elevated blood pressure.
- It represents a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail non-invasive methods for assessing arterial stiffness.
- To provide an updated interpretation of pulse wave analysis, pulse wave velocity, and aortic pressure waveform assessment for clinical and research use.
Main Methods:
- Non-invasive pulse wave analysis.
- Pulse wave velocity measurement.
- Aortic pressure waveform assessment using cuff-based techniques.
Main Results:
- Central arterial blood pressure and aortic pressure are crucial indicators of cardiac workload and organ perfusion.
- Cuff-based pulse wave acquisition enables effective cardiovascular health assessment.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive assessment of arterial stiffness is clinically relevant.
- These methods aid in monitoring at-risk populations and facilitate proactive interventions.
Abstract:
Arterial stiffness underlies the elevation of blood pressure and, consequently, is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This brief report aimed to describe non-invasive pulse wave analysis, pulse wave velocity, and aortic pressure waveform assessment. Readers are provided with an up-to-date interpretation of assessing arterial stiffness for clinical and research purposes. Central arterial blood pressure and aortic pressure are clinically relevant measures of cardiac burden and vital organ perfusion. Cuff-based pulse wave acquisition provides an assessment of cardiovascular health in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease, enabling care providers to monitor patient status and proactively intervene.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Sites for measruring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...

