Assessment of arterial stiffness using applanation tonometry

Abstract

Augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) assess functional and structural aspects of the vascular wall and are independent markers of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Like blood pressure, many factors, genetic, structural, and physiological, affect AIx and PWV. AIx and PWV can be assessed noninvasively using applanation tonometry. The technique is simple, but comes with a number of practical and technical limitations that have not been well documented and (or) explored. This review considers pulse wave analysis in the context of cardiovascular disease, and considers its limitations. Data are presented indicating that the placement of the probe is critical, and that the amplitude of the obtained signal is related to the variability in measurements. On a more theoretical note, issues are discussed regarding the applied transfer functions that are built in the devices to assess central AIx from peripheral waveforms. Altogether, PWV and its analysis are useful additions to the arsenal of parameters that can be used to assess vascular health and to estimate vascular risk. Yet, our analysis underscores the necessity for precise operating procedures, and calls for transparency regarding the applied transfer functions of commercial devices.

Sex differences in associations between insulin resistance, heart rate variability, and arterial stiffness in healthy women and men: a physiology study

“…This subject's BMI of may contribute to a higher circulating insulin level, though other measures of insulin resistance including hemoglobin A1c (5.4%), fasting glucose (5.6) HOMA-IR (4.98) and QUICKI (0.30) were within the normal non-diabetic range and consistent with other studies of non-diabetic obese males (Chen et al 2005). AIx assesses systemic arterial stiffness, whereas PWV is a measure of the arterial stiffness between two recording sites (Kim and Braam, 2013).…”

Efficacy of Isomaltulose Compared to Sucrose in Modulating Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults

“…Although a low-GI food (fiber-rich cereals) showed a slight decrease in FMD in the postprandial state as well, the decrease was not significant and comparable with the FMD decrease induced by water [21]. In alignment with the results of Lavi et al, other dietary intervention studies previously showed an improvement in blood pressure or pulse wave velocity due to low-GI compared to high-GI diets [22,23], which would also explain the positive association between glycemic index and CVD [24][25][26].…”

Changes in circulating microRNA and arterial stiffness following high‐intensity interval and moderate intensity continuous exercise

“…AIx may change independently of arterial stiffness and gives an indication of afterload imposed on the left ventricle due to wave reflection (Kim & Braam, 2013). AIx generally decreases immediately after exercise, however this is likely mediated by increased HR (Mutter et al., 2017; Pierce et al., 2018).…”