Estimated pulse wave velocity was a strong independent predictor of incident stroke (HR 5.79; 95% CI 1.61-20.83; p=0.007) in a rural population cohort over a mean follow-up of 136 months.
Observational (n=1,175)
Does estimated pulse wave velocity > 10 m/s predict incident stroke in a rural adult population?
Estimated pulse wave velocity is a strong, independent predictor of long-term stroke risk in a rural population, potentially enhancing cerebrovascular risk stratification beyond traditional models.
Hazard Ratio: 5.79 (95% CI 1.61–20.83)
Absolute Event Rate: 4.8% vs 2.7%
p-value: p=0.007
Objective: Arterial stiffness reflects cumulative vascular damage and may improve cerebrovascular risk prediction beyond traditional risk factors. This study assessed estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) as an independent predictor of stroke in a rural population cohort with extended follow-up. Design and method: This prospective observational study included 1,175 adult participants from the ENAH study, enrolled between 2005 and 2010 and followed until 2022. ePWV was calculated using a validated equation. Participants were categorized according to ePWV values above or below 10 m/s. Incident stroke was defined using standardized diagnostic criteria and identified from medical documentation and national registries. The mean follow-up duration was 136 months (interquartile range 100.0–163.8). Stroke-free survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and associations were examined using Cox proportional hazards models with multivariable adjustment including demographic variables, anthropometric measures, blood pressure parameters, metabolic risk factors, kidney function, and global cardiovascular risk scores. Results: During follow-up, 41 (3.5%) stroke events were documented. Stroke incidence was higher in participants with ePWV above 10 m/s compared with those below this threshold (4.8% vs. 2.7%, p=0.074). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly lower stroke-free survival in the higher ePWV group (log-rank p=0.007), Figure 1. In univariable analysis, ePWV was significantly associated with stroke risk (HR=1.19 per 1 m/s increase, p=0.003). In multivariable analysis including global cardiovascular risk scores, ePWV emerged as a strong independent predictor of stroke (HR=5.79, 95% CI: 1.61–20.83, p=0.007), while traditional risk factors, blood pressure measures, and kidney function did not retain consistent independent associations, Table 1. Conclusions: ePWV is a strong and independent predictor of stroke in a rural population with long-term follow-up. Incorporating arterial stiffness assessment may substantially enhance cerebrovascular risk stratification beyond conventional risk models in population-based settings.
Domislovic et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Stroke (n=1,175). Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) vs. Lower ePWV (<10 m/s) was evaluated on Incident stroke (HR 5.79, 95% CI 1.61-20.83, p=0.007). Estimated pulse wave velocity was a strong independent predictor of incident stroke (HR 5.79; 95% CI 1.61-20.83; p=0.007) in a rural population cohort over a mean follow-up of 136 months.