PWV
Also written as: PWV — Pulse Wave Velocity
Pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial stiffness that increases with age and cardiometabolic disease. Higher PWV values indicate stiffer arteries and increased cardiovascular risk.
Full Definition
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a non-invasive measurement that quantifies arterial stiffness by calculating the speed at which pressure waves travel through arterial segments. The most commonly measured is carotid-femoral PWV, considered the gold standard for assessing aortic stiffness. PWV increases with advancing age and is accelerated by conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Elevated PWV serves as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. In cardiometabolic medicine, PWV assessment helps identify patients with accelerated vascular aging who may benefit from intensive risk factor modification.
Usage
Usage note: Expressed in meters per second (m/s); values >10 m/s generally considered elevated.
In Context
- "Carotid-femoral PWV of 12 m/s indicated significant arterial stiffening in this diabetic patient." — Vascular assessment
- "PWV measurements help stratify cardiovascular risk beyond traditional risk factors." — Clinical guideline