Pulse Wave Analysis
Pulse Wave Velocity – The measurement of arterial stiffness
- The parameter pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured in m/s is the biological indicator for stiff or elastic arteries.
- A 2-minute recording can be used to determine vascular age by pulse wave velocity & detect an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
- An increased PWV outside the standard is an indicator of increased arterial stiffness.
What is a Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA)?
- Pulse wave analysis is a validated non-invasive diagnostic method for analysis of hemodynamic parameters using a cuff-based blood pressure monitor.
- A 2-minute recording provides information on the age of the cardiovascular system and other hemodynamic parameters.
- Pulse wave technology offers advantages
1) as a screening method for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases2
2) as an additional tool for the diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases such as
- Heart Failure
- Structural disorders of the heart
- Coronary heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
3)for therapy monitoring of cardiovascular diseases
Recommendation of Action
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)
Early detection of increased pulse wave velocity can be positively influenced by lifestyle changes & drug treatment. Pulse wave velocity measurement is clinically validated & accepted biomarker for arterial stiffness assessment.
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)
Summary: Recommendation of Action
- Central blood pressure has a higher predictive value for cardiovascular diseases than peripheral blood pressure.
- Central blood pressure can be lowered by drugs in order to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.
- The guidelines recommend to examine the patient’s risk profile for prematurely increased arterialstiffness in order to detect organ damage.
- The risk analysis should be re-evaluated at regular intervals.
- In case of end organ damage, drug therapy should be initiated to reduce arterial stiffness (PWV).
Overview Licenses
- See Mobil-O-Graph Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor PWA here: https://www.hiberniamedical.ie/shop/equipment-2/blood-pressure/mobil-o-graph-ambulatory-blood-pressure-monitor-pwa/