DR ROSS WALKER TALKS ABOUT PULSE WAVE ANALYSIS |
 For the past 20 years, newer technologies have been researched and introduced in the detection of heart disease, a central one being the Pulse Wave Analysis test. Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) is a simple, non-invasive test that measures each pulse emanating from the heart. This is conveniently measured at the wrist, thus not requiring disrobing, lying down or exercise. The computer then takes the information detected at the wrist and converts it (via a process known as a transfer function) to a central pulse. From the central pulse information, small and large vessel stiffness is measured and this has been shown in numerous studies to be an accurate predictor for future cardiac risk.Cholesterol, blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes and family history are frequently used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, over the past decades there have emerged newer, more accurate screening techniques that have a much greater predictive value than traditional methods.
“Although these basic risk factors are vital aspects of a preventative assessment, they are not always strong enough to predict who will and who won’t go on to some form of cardiovascular disease,” Dr Walker said. “Similarly, for too long, people have relied on the ‘executive stress test’ which has little predictive value in a population of people with no symptoms. However, two key screening tests have emerged in the last ten years; CT scanning of the coronary arteries (looking for the amount of coronary artery calcium) and Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) which measures arterial stiffness.”
Coronary calcium scoring using CT scanning is more expensive and involves radiation but is a highly accurate predictor for future cardiac risk. PWA is less expensive, completely non invasive, doesn’t involve radiation, and is painless. This method forms the key part of the Heart Health Screening check. “PWA has very reproducible results and can be used as an ongoing monitoring tool,” Dr Walker explains. “The stiffer your arteries as measured by Pulse Wave Analysis, the more atherosclerosis (fat build up in the wall of your arteries) present in most cases. There are now a number of well conducted peers reviewed scientific trials attesting to its accuracy.”
The difference between PWA and stress testing is that PWA looks at the wall where the disease is building up for decades before it in fact ruptures to cause a clinical event. Pulse Wave Analysis is therefore a legitimate screening test for heart disease whereas stress testing is not.
Techniques such as Pulse Wave Analyses are more accurate predictors of risk than is the commonly used stress testing. Heart Health Screening is one of the key tests for preventative screening.
|