Non-Invasive Methods for PWV Measurement in Blood Vessel Stiffness Assessment

In recent years, statistical studies highlighted an increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which reflected on additional costs on the healthcare systems worldwide. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement is commonly considered a CVD predictor factor as well as a marker of Arterial Stiffness (AS) since it is closely related to the mechanical characteristics of the arterial wall. An increase in PWV is due to a more rigid arterial system. Because of the prevalence of the elastic component, in young people the PWV is lower than in the elderly. Nowadays, invasive and non-invasive methods for PWV assessment are employed: there is an increasing attention in the development of non-invasive devices which mostly perform a regional PWV measurement (over a long arterial portion) rather than local (over a short arterial portion). The accepted gold-standard for non-invasive AS measurement is the carotid-femoral PWV used to evaluate the arterial damage, the corresponding cardiovascular risk and to adapt the proper therapy. This review article considers the main commercially available devices underlining their operating principles in terms of sensors, execution mode, pulse waveforms acquired, site of measurement, distance and time estimation methods, as well as their main limitations in clinical practice.

Automated summary

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been increasing, leading to additional costs in healthcare systems worldwide. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement is considered a predictor factor and marker of arterial stiffness (AS), which is closely related to the mechanical characteristics of the arterial wall. Currently, both invasive and non-invasive methods are used to assess PWV, with non-invasive carotid-femoral PWV being the accepted gold standard for evaluating arterial damage and cardiovascular risk. This review article discusses the main commercially available devices for PWV measurement, emphasizing their operating principles and limitations in clinical practice.