Comparability and reproducibility of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity measurements using a multi-element carotid tonometry sensor.

To evaluate the comparability and reproducibility of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured by the newly developed device compared to that measured by the standard device and the validity of brachial-ankle PWV as a substitute of carotid-femoral PWV. We measured aortic PWV twice in 21 normotensive males by using the standard devices and the newly developed device. We also measured brachial-ankle PWV in the same subjects. There was a strong, significant correlation between aortic (carotid-femoral) PWV measured by using two different devices (r = 0.741, P = 0.00012). Interquartile range of the differences of carotid-femoral PWV measured by Form (0.75 m/s (-0.36, 0.39)) was smaller than that by Complior (1.67 m/s (-1.03, 0.63)). There was no correlation between carotid-femoral PWV, measured by either device, and brachial ankle PWV. Our present results suggest that carotid-femoral PWV measured by using Form was comparable to, and may be more reproducible than, that measured by Complior that has been widely used as a predictable marker for cardiovascular events. Our results also suggest brachial-ankle PWV may not be a substitute for carotid-femoral PWV.