How do you measure pulse wave velocity?

Pulse-wave velocity (PWV) is a measurement of arterial stiffness that is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. It can be measured simply and noninvasively by measuring the carotid and femoral pulse pressures and the time delay between the two or by other methods relying on pulse-wave analysis.

What does pulse wave velocity tell you?

Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness, or the rate at which pressure waves move down the vessel. With age, or due to changes in the arterial wall, these vessels become stiffer and the speed at which the pressure wave moves through the system is increased.

What is a pulse wave test?

Pulse Wave Analysis measures your blood pressure in a precise and targeted manner. It allows doctors to assess arterial and cardiovascular health with extreme accuracy. It measures blood pressure at the heart level versus the pressure on your arm as measured using conventional arm cuff.

What is the velocity of the wave pulse?

4 to 10 metres per second
The pulse wave in man travels in the arteries at a speed of 4 to 10 metres per second. Its velocity depends, to a small degree, on the velocity of the blood in the artery considered, but chiefly upon the elastic condition of the arterial wall, which is affected by a variety of factors in health and disease.

What is the measuring unit of wave velocity?

meters per second
The velocity of this propagation is generally abbreviated with the letter c (unit: meters per second, m / s) and depends on the medium and nature of the wave (see Tab.

Why is pulse detected in artery?

When the heart pushes blood into the aorta, the blood’s impact on the elastic walls creates a pressure wave that continues along the arteries. This impact is the pulse. All arteries have a pulse, but it is most easily felt at points where the vessel approaches the surface of the body.

Does blood pressure affect pulse wave velocity?

Blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important contributing factors to pulse wave velocity (PWV), a classic measure of arterial stiffness.