Methods for assessing arterial stiffness: technical considerations

Abstract

Purpose of review: The metabolic and haemodynamic changes associated with chronic kidney disease result in accelerated arterial stiffening which in part explains the high cardiovascular risk associated with this condition. Measurement of arterial stiffness is a useful tool for studying cardiovascular pathophysiology and effects of therapies. Performed well, these techniques are an accurate and efficient way of collecting clinical data, requiring little training and with high repeatability. However, generation of high-quality evidence in this field has been hampered by the use of different techniques, methodological differences, limited comparability between devices and small sample sizes. This review aims to summarize the recent recommendations regarding the best techniques and technicalities of measurement.

Recent findings: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been recommended as the gold-standard measure of arterial stiffness and new commercially available devices make its measurement more straightforward. To minimize the effect of confounding factors, particularly blood pressure, aortic PWV needs to be measured carefully according to the current recommendations which are outlined in this review.

Summary: These recent recommendations about the measurement of arterial stiffness and ways of comparing values from different devices should lead to rapid growth of epidemiological data and facilitate its use as a clinical tool.