Adaptation of the method of pulse wave velocity measurement for screening examinations in outpatient practice

Abstract

Background. Estimation of the parameters of arterial stiffness allows one to make conclusions about the development of CVD long before clinical manifestations of the target organ damage. The determination of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the «gold standard» for the arterial wall stiffness assessment. The oscillometric method of PWV measurement has a number of advantages (convenience and high speed) over the most common «two-point» techniques. Objective. The purpose of this work was to adapt the PWV measurement using the oscillometric method for screening outpatient examinations. Using a BPLab Vasotens diagnostic oscillometric system (Russia), PWV was measured in 152 patients, and a formula was obtained for recalculating PWV values in the supine position on the basis of PWV values in the sitting position. Methods. Using a BPLab Vasotens diagnostic system, PWV was measured in 152 patients, and a formula was derived for recalculating PWV values in the supine position on the basis of PWV values in the sitting position. Results. Measuring aortal PWV in the sitting position gave an opportunity of a simultaneous study of the central and peripheral BP parameters and the arterial wall stiffness. The obtained data may be used during patients’ screening in the outpatient setting. Conclusion. The use of the screening procedure for the PWV measurement in the outpatient practice will allow concluding on the CVD development long before clinical manifestations of the target organs damage and will rid the patient of a possibility of a wrong estimation of their cardiovascular risk.