Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:08
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Rural Populations: The ENAH Study
Marija Domislović1, Ana Jelaković2,3, Vladimir Prelević2,4
1Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Dialysis and Transplantation, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, domislovic.marija@gmail.com.
Kidney & Blood Pressure Research
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) predicts mortality in rural adults. Higher ePWV indicates increased arterial stiffness and is a significant risk factor for death and combined cardiovascular outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a key indicator of cardiovascular (CV) risk.
- Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) offers a method to assess arterial stiffness.
- The predictive value of ePWV for CV outcomes in general rural populations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic significance of ePWV for fatal and non-fatal outcomes.
- To assess arterial stiffness as a biomarker in a rural adult cohort.
- To determine the clinical utility of ePWV in cardiovascular risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational cohort study within the ENAH project.
- Follow-up of 2,232 adults over a median of 11.3 years.
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable regression.
Main Results:
- Higher ePWV (>10 m/s) was associated with significantly lower survival rates for all-cause mortality (HR=12.8) and non-fatal outcomes (HR=1.50).
- Multivariable analysis identified male gender and ePWV as independent predictors of increased mortality risk.
- ePWV emerged as a significant risk factor for the composite fatal and non-fatal outcome (HR=1.94).
Conclusions:
- ePWV is a significant independent predictor of overall mortality and composite fatal/non-fatal outcomes.
- This simple measure of arterial stiffness can be valuable in clinical practice, especially in remote rural areas.
- ePWV can aid in identifying individuals at higher cardiovascular risk within the general population.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
01:11Pulse Assessment Sites
Pulse assessment sites are crucial in evaluating a patient's cardiovascular health. By assessing the pulsations of arteries at specific anatomical locations, healthcare professionals can gather valuable information about blood flow, heart rate, and peripheral circulation. Understanding these pulse assessment sites is essential for conducting comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations and monitoring patients' overall health. These sites are strategically chosen due to the accessibility and...
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
Assessment of Radial Pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:16Pulse
When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
01:05Pulse
The pulse is one of the most fundamental physiological indicators of the body's cardiovascular health. It is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arterial walls in response to the pressure generated by the heart's pumping action.
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
Apical-Radial (A-R) Pulse Assessment
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
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