The Importance of Arterial Stiffness Measurement: Focus on Pulse Wave Velocity
The term 'Cardiovascular disease' (CVD) refers to a group of health conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. CVD is one of the primary causes of death and disabilities worldwide, contributing to 32% of all global deaths, with more than 80% attributed to heart attacks and strokes. The primary cause of heart attacks and strokes is the accumulation of plaque, known as atherosclerosis, within the blood vessels of the heart and brain. Arterial stiffness plays a critical role in this process, contributing significantly to the development of atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events.
Therefore, Identifying individuals at high risk for severe atherosclerosis through non-invasive arterial stiffness assessments is crucial to preventing costly complications. Parameters like Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWVao), Augmentation Index (AIx), and Central Blood Pressure (CBP) are key in these evaluations.
The Arteriograph device measures Arterial Stiffness parameters, providing detailed data that helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions and reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease.
What is Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA)?
Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) examines the pulse pressure waveform to assess arterial stiffness, helping predict cardiovascular events, especially in high-risk patients.
Currently, there aren't many methods for pulse wave analysis, but non-invasive pulse wave analysis has become a valuable clinical tool due to its intended use and minimal discomfort for the patient. Arteriograph, utilizing the cuff oscillometry method, not only offers a comprehensive noninvasive pulse wave analysis but also provides crucial information about cardiovascular function.
The Significance of Measuring Central Blood Pressure & Pulse Wave Velocity
The assessment of central hemodynamic parameters, such as Central Blood Pressure and Pulse Wave Velocity, has garnered attention as a predictive tool for cardiovascular events.
- Central Blood Pressure (CBP) is more reliable than peripheral Blood Pressure because it reflects the pressure affecting vital organs like the heart and brain. It offers a clearer picture of cardiovascular pressures, making it a better choice for guiding treatment decisions than just using brachial Blood Pressure readings.
- Pulse wave velocity is a simple and direct method to measure arterial stiffness, which serves as an early indicator of atherosclerosis. It's a useful tool for physicians to evaluate asymptomatic cardiovascular diseases.
Arteriograph is the gold standard device for measuring Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWVao), Central Blood Pressure (CBP) and Aortic Augmentation Index (AIXao)
Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (PWVao) is determined by the characteristics of the aortic wall. The stiffer the aortic wall, the faster the PWVao is. This parameter can indicate existence of asymptomatic atherosclerosis.
Aortic Augmentation Index (AIXao) is mainly determined by the peripheral arterial tone (resistance) of the small arteries and arterioles. It evaluates proper endothelial function and reveals probability of any vascular damage.
