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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:08
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Plethysmographic pulse wave amplitude and future leg arteriosclerosis
M Ogren1, B Hedblad, S O Isacsson
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Lund University, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Atherosclerosis
|February 1, 1995
Summary
A low pulse wave amplitude, a measure of blood flow, at age 55 predicts future leg atherosclerosis (low ankle-brachial pressure index). This finding aids in assessing cardiovascular risk in individuals with existing risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Low pulse wave amplitude (PWA) at 55 is linked to higher mortality and myocardial infarction.
- Arteriosclerosis and reduced arterial elasticity are significant cardiovascular risk factors.
- Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a key indicator of peripheral artery disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if low PWA at 55 predicts future leg atherosclerosis, assessed by low ABPI at 68.
- To determine the association between early PWA and later peripheral artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study analyzing PWA from calf plethysmography at age 55.
- Assessment of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI < 0.9) at age 68.
- Statistical analysis controlling for smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
Main Results:
- Men with low PWA (< or = 5 mm) at 55 had over double the prevalence of low ABPI at 68 (42% vs 19%).
- The association between low PWA and low ABPI persisted after adjusting for major cardiovascular risk factors.
- No correlation was observed between low ABPI and leg blood flow at age 55.
Conclusions:
- Low pulse wave amplitude may indicate subclinical arteriosclerosis or age-related arterial stiffening.
- Pulse wave plethysmography provides valuable data for refining leg atherosclerotic risk assessment.
- PWA measurement can enhance risk stratification in individuals with established cardiovascular risk factors.
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