What Is Pulse Wave Velocity?

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) refers to the pressure wave velocity of propagation along the aortic wall produced by each pulse of the heart. It is a simple, effective, and economical non-invasive index for assessing arterial blood vessel stiffness, and can comprehensively reflect various risks. Factors that damage blood vessels are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. Pulse wave velocity can reflect the large and elastic state of the middle arterial system. It is non-invasive, simple, effective and repeatable, and can reflect real-time changes in arterial function.

Basic Information

Chinese name

Pulse wave velocity

Foreign name

PWV

Indication

Those with a family history of early-onset cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, etc.

Clinical significance

For early detection and treatment of arterial disease

Pulse wave velocity principle

The aorta vessels serve as elastic reservoirs to maintain continuous arterial blood flow and buffer arterial blood pressure fluctuations, and pulse waves travel along the arterial wall. Pulse wave conduction velocity is based on the principle that the conduction speed of blood (pulse wave) generated by the blood flowing from the heart through the blood vessels is accelerated during arteriosclerosis. The wave conduction velocity between two heartbeats is measured to determine the degree of elasticity of blood vessels.

Indication of pulse wave velocity

1. Patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (coronary heart disease) or stroke.
2. A family history of early-onset cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
3. Patients with atherosclerosis risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.
4.50 years of age or older.
5. Postoperative and postoperative evaluation of cardiovascular patients.

Pulse wave velocity examination method

Pulse waves can be detected by baroreceptor or Doppler ultrasound signals. The subject took a supine position to determine the most obvious pulsation of the two target arteries, placed the baroreceptor probe there, measured the body surface distance between the two points, recorded the pulse wave transit time, and calculated the pulse wave through a computer Conduction speed.

Clinical significance of pulse wave velocity

Pulse wave velocity is closely related to arterial dilatation, stiffness, wall thickness and blood viscosity. It can provide objective detection indicators for the screening and evaluation of risk factors for arteriosclerosis. important meaning.
1. Evaluation of arterial function and patient prognosis (1) Pulse wave velocity can be used as a reliable indicator for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension, and it can also be used as a monitoring indicator for long-term treatment of patients with hypertension.
(2) Aortic sclerosis is an important cause of cerebrovascular disease. Pulse wave velocity has a significant correlation with cerebrovascular disease. This test can be performed to assess aortic function in patients with vascular disease or at high risk of stroke.
(3) Pulse wave velocity is an independent indicator for predicting cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. It can assess the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, and is conducive to secondary prevention and improve the prognosis of patients.
2. Evaluate the effect of drugs on improving the arterial elasticity. Observe the improvement of pulse wave velocity before and after drug intervention to judge the curative effect and guide clinical medication.