Measurement of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity With a Connected Bathroom Scale

Abstract

BACKGROUNDMeasurement of arterial stiffness should be more available. Our aim was to show that aortic pulse wave velocity can be reliably measured with a bathroom scale combining the principles of ballistocardiography (BCG) and impedance plethysmography on a single foot.METHODThe calibration of the bathroom scale was conducted on a group of 106 individuals. The aortic pulse wave velocity was measured with the SphygmoCor in the supine position. Three consecutive measurements were then performed on the Withings scale in the standing position. This aorta-leg pulse transit time (alPTT) was then converted into a velocity with the additional input of the height of the person. Agreement between the SphygmoCor and the bathroom scale so calibrated is assessed on a separate group of 86 individuals, following the same protocol.RESULTSThe bias is 0.25 m·s−1 and the SE 1.39 m·s−1. This agreement with Sphygmocor is “acceptable” according to the ARTERY classification. The alPTT correlated well with cfPTT with (Spearman) R = 0.73 in pooled population (cal 0.79, val 0.66). The aorta-leg pulse wave velocity correlated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity with R = 0.76 (cal 0.80, val 0.70).CONCLUSIONEstimation of the aortic pulse wave velocity is feasible with a bathroom scale. Further investigations are needed to improve the repeatability of measurements and to test their accuracy in different populations and conditions.

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Cardio‐ankle vascular index and cardiovascular disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective and cross‐sectional studies

“…However, to measure cfPWV, probes often need to be placed on both the carotid and femoral arteries, which can be uncomfortable for some individuals and may require them to expose the groin area depending on devices used. Also, obtaining a good waveform for the measurement can be challenging in some individuals (eg, those with obesity) and in general, is highly operator dependent . Accordingly, the use of cfPWV has been limited primarily to research applications.…”

Withings Body Cardio Versus Gold Standards of Pulse-Wave Velocity and Body Composition

“…They have been validated against the ARTERY Society's PWV guidelines [1,17] and their use is cited over 1000 times in peer-reviewed research articles. The Body Cardio uses ballistocardiography and impedance plethysmography to determine al-PWV [18]. Ballistocardiography measures slight weight variations due to left-ventricle ejection of blood and corresponds well to the opening of the aortic valve [18].…”

“…The Body Cardio uses ballistocardiography and impedance plethysmography to determine al-PWV [18]. Ballistocardiography measures slight weight variations due to left-ventricle ejection of blood and corresponds well to the opening of the aortic valve [18]. Impedance plethysmography measures blood volume changes at the measurement site and is used in the consumer scale to determine the arrival time of the pulse wave to the feet from the aortic valve.…”