Pulse wave velocity
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the velocity at which the arterial pulse propagates through the circulatory system. PWV is used clinically as a measure of arterial stiffness. It is easy to measure invasively and non-invasively in humans, is highly reproducible, has a strong correlation with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, and was recognized by the European Society of Hypertension as an indicator of target organ damage and a useful additional test in the investigation of hypertension. A high pulse wave velocity (PWV) has also been associated with poor lung function.
The study of the basic scientific principles of the velocity of the pulse wave through the arterial tree dates back to 1808 with the work of Thomas Young. The relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial wall stiffness can be calculated from first principles from Newton's second law of motion;
Using some simplifying assumptions, the Moens–Korteweg equation can be derived, an equation that directly relates PWV and artery wall stiffness.
The Moens-Korteweg equation states that PWV is proportional to the square root of the incremental elastic modulus of the vessel wall given constant ratio of wall thickness to vessel radius under the assumptions used to derive the equation, these assumptions being:
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