Pulse Wave Velocity for Assessment of Arterial Stiffness Among People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

J Spinal Cord Med, 2009 · DOI: · Published: February 1, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science

Simple Explanation

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major health concern for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigates arterial stiffness, a known risk factor for CAD, in people with SCI compared to able-bodied individuals. The study measures pulse wave velocity (PWV) in different parts of the body to assess arterial stiffness. PWV indicates how fast the blood pressure wave travels through the arteries. The findings suggest that people with SCI have higher aortic PWV, indicating increased arterial stiffness and potentially a higher risk of CAD.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 men with SCI and 9 non-SCI controls

Evidence Level

Level 3; Pilot Study

Key Findings

1
Aortic PWV was significantly higher in the SCI group compared to the non-SCI group, indicating increased arterial stiffness.
2
There were no significant differences in arm PWV or leg PWV between the SCI and non-SCI groups.
3
The higher aortic PWV values in the SCI group suggest a potentially elevated risk of CAD in this population.

Research Summary

This pilot study compared aortic, arm, and leg pulse wave velocity (PWV) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to able-bodied controls. The results indicated that aortic PWV was significantly higher in the SCI group, suggesting increased arterial stiffness and a potentially higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study highlights the need for further research to confirm these findings and to develop screening protocols for CAD risk among people with SCI.

Practical Implications

CAD Risk Screening

Aortic PWV could be used as a screening tool to identify individuals with SCI at higher risk of developing CAD.

Targeted Interventions

Interventions aimed at reducing arterial stiffness may be beneficial for people with SCI to mitigate their CAD risk.

Further Research

More extensive studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms contributing to increased arterial stiffness in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size
2
Lack of reliability data for PWV measures in people with SCI
3
Absence of adjustments for confounding variables (injury level, duration, physical activity)

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