The aortic pulse wave velocity is a strong and independent indicator of cardiovascular diseases. It is measured to determine the age of blood vessels.  

Risks

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are diseases of the heart and circulatory system. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Aging increases the potential for chronic diseases, thus cardiovascular disease, and affects the structure of blood vessel walls.

The most common cause of CVD is atherosclerosis, or damage to the arteries characterized by narrowing of the blood vessels due to local thickening of the inner layer of the vessel wall called atheroma or plaque.

The development of atherosclerosis that occurs with aging leads to changes in elastic fibers (elastin) in the blood vessels, which are gradually replaced with firmer, stronger collagen. This leads to hardening of the blood vessels, which is one of the main reasons for the high blood pressure. Blood vessels in some people age more quickly than the average, and in some slower. High pressure can also accelerate hardening of the arteries. A continuous flow of oxygen and blood through tighter blood vessels causes the heart to pump more blood through the arteries, and the extra effort eventually leads to heart damage and the development of cardiovascular disease.

Measurement

The age of blood vessels can be determined according to their stiffness, i.e., elasticity, which provides the information on the state of the patient`s vessels or indicates the existence of risk of a stroke or heart attack. Each heartbeat pumps an additional amount of blood in the arteries and creates a pulse wave which spreads through the blood vessels. Young and healthy blood vessels are elastic and better absorb the energy of the pulse wave generated by passage of blood and ensure a steady flow of blood.

The aortic pulse wave velocity (Pulse Wave Velocity-PWV) is measured by Agedio devices. PWV is a strong and independent indicator of cardiovascular diseases and it should be measured on the recommendations of the international guidelines in the field of cardiology.

Pulse wave velocity data are presented in the meter per second (m / s) measurement unit. After the measurement, the condition measured in the patient is automatically compared with the average values of the patient`s age group so we get the information on whether the age of its vessels is suitable for his age, or it is different from the average.

Prevention

Early detection and control of blood pressure along with the determination of stiffness, i.e. age of blood vessels, can help to avoid serious diseases of the cardiovascular system. By introducing positive changes in lifestyle and proper medication recommended by doctors or pharmacists, stiffness i.e. "vascular age" can be reduced.

Measurement of the pulse wave or arterial stiffness is easy to perform, the same as with a standard measurement of the peripheral pressure with the cuff on the upper arm.

Do you know the age of your blood vessels?