The evaluation of pulse wave velocity using Arteriograph and Complior apparatus across multiple cohorts of cardiovascular-related diseases

Arteriograph (TensioMed Budapest Hungary, Ltd) was used in order to obtain the PWVa. An upper arm cuff was applied to the patient and after a first simple BP measurement, the cuff was over-inflated with 35- 40 mm Hg beyond the systolic BP. During systole, the blood volume having been ejected into the aorta generates pulse wave (early systolic peak). This pulse wave runs down and reflects from the bifurcation of aorta, creating a second wave (late systolic peak). Both early and late systolic peak were obtained and recorded on the computer as pulse waves. The difference in time between the beginning of the first wave and the beginning of the second (reflected wave) is related to the measured distance from the jugulum to the symphysis, resulting in the PWV in m/s. The software of Arteriograph decomposes the early, late systolic and diastolic waves and also determines the onset and peaks of the waves. For PWV analysis, the onsets of the waves are determined by using first and second derivatives.