Novel Methods for Pulse Wave Velocity Measurement

Abstract

The great incidence of cardiovascular (CV) diseases in the world spurs the search for new solutions to enable an early detection of pathological processes and provides more precise diagnosis based in multi-parameters assessment. The pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered one of the most important clinical parameters for evaluate the CV risk, vascular adaptation, and therapeutic efficacy. Several studies were dedicated to find the relationship between PWV measurement and pathological status in different diseases, and proved the relevance of this parameter. The commercial devices dedicate to PWV estimation make a regional assessment (measured between two vessels), however a local measurement is more precise evaluation of artery condition, taking into account the differences in the structure of arteries. Moreover, the current devices present some limitations due to the contact nature. Emerging trends in CV monitoring are moving away from more invasive technologies to non-invasive and non-contact solutions. The great challenge is to explore the new instrumental solutions that allow the PWV assessment with fewer approximations for an accurately evaluation and relatively inexpensive techniques in order to be used in the clinical routine.

Photoplethysmography based atrial fibrillation detection: a review

“…23 Some hemodynamic parameters such as augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are important biomarkers of arterial stiffness, which is a direct cause of hypertension and a major risk factor for cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Both AIx and PWV could be derived from PPG, 24,25 Subendocardial Viability Ratio (SEVR %) and Ejection Time Index (ETI) are two hemodynamic parameters used in the evaluation of cardiac workload that can be estimated with PPG analysis. 25 Additionally, some studies claim that arterial blood pressure could be estimated using advanced analysis of PPG.…”

Enhanced ventricular‐arterial coupling during a 2‐year physical activity programme in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective substudy of the physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis 2010 trial

“…The latter notion has also received support from recent findings that the disease duration is an independent predictor of vascular stiffness in patients with RA without known cardiovascular comorbidities . Arterial stiffness measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an established surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk, vascular adaptation and a valuable tool for assessing subclinical CVD in for example patients with RA .…”

Pulmonary Function and Arterial Stiffness in Chronic Heart Failure

“…Pulse wave velocity is an index of arterial stiffness, but this index is influenced by blood pressure at the time of the measurement and may be influenced if blood pressure varies during the measurement [14]. On the other hand, CAVI is independent of blood pressure and its importance in relation to arterial stiffness has been shown in diabetes [16], atherosclerosis [17], hypertension [18], and kidney diseases [19].…”

“…Previous studies used pulse wave velocity as an index of arterial stiffness, but this index is influenced by blood pressure at the time of the measurement and may be influenced if blood pressure varies during the measurement [14]. A new index, namely, the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), was developed for assessing arterial wall stiffness parameter [15].…”