The relationship between pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and sudden events related to the cardiovascular system.
Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) provides important information about the risk of heart attack and stroke as it is an indicator of arterial stiffness. High Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) values indicate that blood vessel walls have hardened and lost their elasticity. This condition increases the risk of vascular blockage and may lead to the following events:
● Heart Attack: Hardened arteries cannot carry enough blood and oxygen to the heart. This can damage the heart muscle and cause a heart attack.
● Stroke: Reduced or complete interruption of blood flow to the brain increases the risk of stroke. High Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) can significantly increase this risk.
Hypertension and High Blood Pressure
High Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) is often associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension increases arterial stiffness, causing blood vessels to narrow and harden. This increases the risk of heart and vascular diseases:
● Blood Pressure Control: High Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) indicates that blood pressure is not well controlled. This points to the need for treatment and lifestyle changes.
● Risk of Organ Damage: Long-term high blood pressure can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Heart Failure and Vascular Diseases
High Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) can increase the risk of heart failure and other vascular diseases. Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to the body. This condition can lead to the following problems:
● Arterial Stiffness: High cfPWV indicates thickening and hardening of artery walls. This increases the risk of artery blockage and atherosclerosis.
● Heart Function: High cfPWV requires the heart to work harder, which can lead to weakening of the heart muscle and heart failure.
All-Cause Mortality
Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) provides information not only about cardiovascular diseases but also about all-cause mortality. Elevated Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) values may indicate deteriorating overall health and a shorter life expectancy:
● Overall Health Status: High cfPWV indicates poor overall health and an increased risk of various chronic diseases.
● Life Expectancy: Studies show that people with high cfPWV values may have a shorter life expectancy than those with low cfPWV values.
Pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is a measurement that provides important information about heart and vascular health. High cfPWV values increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension, heart failure, and other vascular diseases. Additionally, high cfPWV may indicate poor overall health and an increased risk of death from all causes. Therefore, monitoring cfPWV values and intervening when necessary is important for improving overall health and life expectancy.
