Blood vessel aging test (blood pressure pulse wave test, PWV / ABI test)

The ABI test and the PWV test are collectively called the blood pressure pulse wave test.

It shows the degree of arteriosclerosis as a numerical value by comparing hand and foot blood pressure and investigating how the pulse wave is transmitted. By performing this test, it is possible to detect the degree of arteriosclerosis (such as aging of blood vessels) and early vascular disorders.

The ABI test (ankle upper arm blood pressure ratio) measures the blood pressure of the ankle and upper arm and calculates the ratio.

Cholesterol-containing lipids are deposited on the intima of the arteries, resulting in thickening of the intima and the formation of atherosclerosis, which narrows the lumen of the blood vessels. Can be estimated.

If arteriosclerosis is not progressing, the ankle will be slightly higher when you measure the blood pressure of both arms and legs while lying down. However, if there is a stenosis or blockage in the artery, the blood pressure in that area decreases.

These arterial stenosis and occlusions often occur mainly in the arteries of the lower limbs, so the ratio of stenosis and occlusion can be determined by the ratio of the upper arm and ankle blood pressure.

PWV test PWV test (pulse wave velocity) is the speed at which the heartbeat (pulse wave) reaches the hands and feet through the artery.

When the artery wall becomes thicker or stiffer, the elasticity of the artery wall is lost and the speed at which the pulse wave is transmitted increases.

The distance between the four sensors on the arm and the leg and the time required to reach the pulse wave are measured. The higher the value obtained by applying the calculation formula, the more the arteriosclerosis is progressing.