Estimated pulse wave velocity is positively observed as a surrogate for arterial stiffness across 131 papers, though validation studies showed correlations from 0.35 to 0.92 and SDs up to ±2.54 m/s.
Systematic Review (n=131)
What are the methodological approaches and clinical utility of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) as a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness?
While ePWV is widely used as a surrogate for arterial stiffness, substantial individual differences in validation studies highlight the need to refine estimation algorithms for greater precision.
Background. Arterial stiffness, as measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Arterial stiffness measurement requires the acquisition of pulse waveforms at two arterial sites. This technique is often constrained to clinical or laboratory settings. Estimated PWV (ePWV) addresses these limitations by only requiring the measurement of a single pulse, or no pulse at all, providing a wider application for cardiovascular health monitoring. The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate the various approaches and clinical utility of ePWV as a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness. Methodology. The literature search followed the PRISMA guidelines and was conducted in the following databases: Embase; MEDLINE; PubMed; and Scopus. Results. The initial search identified 409 papers: Embase (n = 38); MEDLINE (n = 98); PubMed (n = 93); and Scopus (n = 180). After screening and applying the exclusion criteria 131 eligible papers remained. Peak topic publication occurred in 2024 (30%). Most papers (69%) employed regression-based approaches in ePWV whilst 34% employed a pulse wave analysis (PWA)-based approach. Most PWA approaches (57%) used an oscillometric cuff. There were few validation studies (12%). Validation studies presented correlations (r) from 0.35 to 0.92 and standard deviations reaching ±2.54 m/s. Conclusion. The use of ePWV as a surrogate for arterial stiffness is positively observed across the literature. However, validation studies reveal substantial individual differences hidden within acceptable population averages, underscoring the need to refine estimation algorithms for greater precision.
Cox et al. (Fri,) conducted a systematic review in Arterial stiffness (n=131). Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) was evaluated on Methodological approaches and clinical utility of ePWV as a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness. Estimated pulse wave velocity is positively observed as a surrogate for arterial stiffness across 131 papers, though validation studies showed correlations from 0.35 to 0.92 and SDs up to ±2.54 m/s.
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