Pulse wave velocity in the microcirculation reflects both vascular compliance and resistance: Insights from computational approaches

OBJECTIVE: PWV is the speed of pulse wave propagation through the circulatory system. mPWV emerges as a novel indicator of hypertension, yet it remains unclear how different vascular properties affect mPWV. We aim to identify the biomechanical determinants of mPWV. METHODS: A 1D model was used to simulate PWV in a rat mesenteric microvascular network and, for comparison, in a human macrovascular arterial network. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the relationship between PWV and vascular compliance and resistance. RESULTS: The 1D model enabled adequate simulation of PWV in both micro- and macrovascular networks. Simulated arterial PWV changed as a function of vascular compliance but not resistance, in that arterial PWV varied at a rate of 0.30 m/s and -6.18 × 10-3  m/s per 10% increase in vascular compliance and resistance, respectively. In contrast, mPWV depended on both vascular compliance and resistance, as it varied at a rate of 2.79 and -2.64 cm/s per 10% increase in the respective parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identifies vascular compliance and resistance in microvascular networks as critical determinants of mPWV. We anticipate that mPWV can be utilized as an effective indicator for the assessment of microvascular biomechanical properties.