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://hiberniamedical.ie/shop/equipment-2/blood-pressure/mobil-o-graph-ambulatory-blood-pressure-monitor-pwa/