Normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based pulse wave velocity in the middle-aged general population.

BACKGROUND Aortic stiffness, assessed through pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease risk. However, the scarce availability of normal and reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) based PWV is limiting clinical implementation. The aim of this study was to determine normal and reference values for CMR assessed PWV in the general population. METHODS From the 2,484 participants of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study that have available CMR-PWV data, 1,394 participants free from cardiovasculard disease, smokers or treatment for diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia were selected (45-65 years, 51% female). Participants were divided into sex, age and blood pressure (BP) subgroups. Normal values were specified for participants with a BP   140/90 mmHg women had a higher PWV (p = 0.005). The interpercentile ranges were smaller for participants < 55 years old compared to participants ≥ 55 years, indicating an increasing variability of PWV with age. PWV upper limits were particularly elevated in participants ≥ 55 years old in the high blood pressure subgroups. CONCLUSION This study provides normal and reference values for CMR-assessed PWV per sex, age and blood pressure category in the general population.