Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) measures how fast pressure waves move through the arteries when the heart beats. The stiffness of the blood vessels affects this speed—stiffer arteries result in a higher PWV. Normally, part of this pressure wave bounces back when it reaches certain points, such as small arteries or bifurcations. In healthy individuals, this reflection is minimal and helps the heart work efficiently. However, in the presence of arterial stiffness, the reflected wave becomes much stronger and returns too early, such as during the systolic phase. This forces the heart to work harder, increasing stress on it and making it less efficient over time [1].
As aging occurs, structural and functional changes take place in the blood vessels, leading to increased stiffness and reduced flexibility. These changes contribute to difficulties in blood flow and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide [2].
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) naturally increases as people get older, affecting both men and women. However, in individuals with high blood pressure (hypertension), PWV tends to rise much more quickly [3].
While aging leads to a natural increase in arterial stiffness, the good news is that lifestyle interventions, particularly exercise, can help counteract some of these negative effects. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve arterial flexibility, reduce PWV, and help maintain cardiovascular health, even as we age. Understanding how exercise influences PWV can provide valuable insights into how we can mitigate the risks associated with aging and arterial stiffness.
How Exercise Improves Pulse Wave Velocity
Exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological ways to reduce PWV and improve arterial health. This summary looks at the effects of different types of exercise on PWV and arterial stiffness.
I. Aerobic Exercise:
Overview:
Aerobic exercise includes activities like running, cycling, swimming, and walking. These exercises are known for improving cardiovascular health.
Effect on PWV:
Aerobic exercises consistently reduce PWV and improve arterial stiffness in healthy adults. Studies show that longer durations of aerobic exercise lead to greater improvements in PWV.
Benefits:
A decrease in PWV by 0.52 to 0.75 m/s can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 6-10%. This makes aerobic exercise a powerful tool for improving heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
II. Resistance Training:
Overview:
Resistance training involves activities that strengthen muscles, such as weight lifting or using resistance bands.
Effect on PWV:
The effects of resistance training on PWV depend on the intensity of the exercise. Low-to-moderate intensity resistance training (less than 70% of maximum strength) has been shown to reduce PWV, while high-intensity resistance training does not seem to improve arterial stiffness.
Reason:
Lower intensity resistance training puts less strain on the cardiovascular system and does not lead to a significant increase in blood pressure, which helps improve PWV.
III. Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training:
Overview:
Combining aerobic and resistance training involves doing both types of exercises to improve overall fitness and health.
Effect on PWV:
Combining aerobic and resistance exercises can be effective at reducing PWV, particularly for people with hypertension or cardiovascular disease. However, results are inconsistent, and the effectiveness depends on the intensity of the resistance training.
Inconsistencies:
Studies show mixed results because different training programs vary in how much resistance training is included and at what intensity. This makes it hard to determine a clear conclusion on how combined training impacts PWV across all populations [4].
Pulse Wave Velocity Reference Values by Age
Research has shown that Aortic PWV is highly dependent on both age and gender. A large study involving 17,173 subjects aged 2–92 years established reference values for aortic PWV across different age groups. The results indicate that aortic PWV increases progressively with age, with notable differences between males and females. For instance, the median aoPWV values rise from 5.44 m/s in individuals under 10 years to 11.02 m/s in those aged 80–90 years. Additionally, men generally exhibit lower aoPWV values compared to women of the same age group [5].
| Age Group (Years) | Median aoPWV (m/s) |
|---|---|
| <10 | 5.44 |
| 10–20 | 6.08 |
| 20–30 | 6.69 |
| 30–40 | 7.29 |
| 40–50 | 8.38 |
| 50–60 | 9.81 |
| 60–70 | 10.15 |
| 70–80 | 10.41 |
| 80–90 | 11.02 |
Please note that aoPWV values can change depending on how they are measured and which device is used.
Monitoring Arterial Health with Arteriograph
Arteriograph measures arterial stiffness and assesses Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), helping track the impact of exercise on vascular health. This non-invasive, accurate device detects early signs of stiffness and shows how exercise can improve arterial function. It quantifies PWV changes after aerobic or resistance training, enabling personalized treatment plans and better cardiovascular risk management. Regular use helps monitor the effectiveness of interventions to reduce the long-term risks of aging and arterial stiffness.