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Non-invasive assessment of carotid PWV via accelerometric sensors: validation of a new device and comparison with established techniques

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Carotid pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered as a surrogate marker for carotid stiffness and its assessment is increasingly being used in clinical practice. However, at the moment, its estimation needs specific equipment and a moderate level of technical expertise; moreover, it is based on a mathematical model. The aim of this study was to validate a new system for non-invasive and model-free carotid PWV assessment based on accelerometric sensors by comparison with currently used techniques.

Methods

Accelerometric PWV (accPWV) values were obtained in 97 volunteers free of cardiovascular disease (age 24–85 years) and compared with standard ultrasound-based carotid stiffness parameters, such as carotid PWV (cPWV), relative distension (relD) and distensibility coefficient (DC). Moreover, the comparison between accPWV measurements and carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) was performed.

Results

Accelerometric PWV evaluations showed a significant correlation with cPWV measurements (R = 0.67), relD values (R = 0.66) and DC assessments (R = 0.64). These values were also significantly correlated with cfPWV evaluations (R = 0.46). In addition, the first attempt success rate was equal to 76.8 %.

Conclusions

The accelerometric system allows a simple and quick local carotid stiffness evaluation and the values obtained with this system are significantly correlated with known carotid stiffness biomarkers. Therefore, the presented device could provide a concrete opportunity for an easy carotid stiffness evaluation even in clinical practice.

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Abbreviations

accPWV:

Accelerometric PWV

BMI:

Body mass index

CI:

Confidence interval

cfPWV:

Carotid-femoral PWV

cPWV:

Carotid pulse wave velocity

DBP:

Diastolic blood pressure

DC:

Distensibility coefficient

DN:

Dicrotic notch

PP:

Pulse pressure

PTT:

Pulse transit time

PWV:

Pulse wave velocity

relD:

Relative distension

RF:

Radio-frequency

SBP:

Systolic blood pressure

SF:

Systolic foot

US:

Ultrasound

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Conflict of interest

Elisabetta Bianchini, Francesco Faita, Vincenzo Gemignani and Lorenzo Ghiadoni are co-founders and councillors of QUIPU s.r.l., Pisa, ITALY, a spin-off company of the National Research Council and the University of Pisa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy

    Nicole Di Lascio, Rosa Maria Bruno, Francesco Stea, Elisabetta Bianchini, Vincenzo Gemignani & Francesco Faita

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy

    Francesco Stea & Lorenzo Ghiadoni

Authors
  1. Nicole Di Lascio
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  2. Rosa Maria Bruno
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  3. Francesco Stea
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  4. Elisabetta Bianchini
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  5. Vincenzo Gemignani
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  6. Lorenzo Ghiadoni
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  7. Francesco Faita
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicole Di Lascio.

Additional information

Communicated by Guido Ferretti.

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Di Lascio, N., Bruno, R.M., Stea, F. et al. Non-invasive assessment of carotid PWV via accelerometric sensors: validation of a new device and comparison with established techniques. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 1503–1512 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2881-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2881-2

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