Objective: Measurements of the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) with applanation tonometry is broadly accepted, but investigator-dependent, time-consuming, and expensive. Recently a new method to determine PWV derived from oscillometric pressure curves with a simple upper arm cuff has been developed. The aim of the present study was to compare the PWV derived from two well established and clinically validated tonometric methods (SphygmoCor, Complior) with the oscillometric one (Arteriograph).

Design and Method: PWV was measured in 51 patients up to 5 times with SphygmoCor, Complior and Arteriograph, respectively. 36 patients we measured in a second session following the same protocol. We then compared the means of the PWVs for each patient per session (n = 87).

Results: The correlations of the PWV assessed by Arteriograph compared to SphygmoCor was r = 0.67 (p < 0.001) and to Complior r = 0.069 (p < 0.001). SphygmoCor- and Complior-assessed PWVs showed a correlation of r = 0.87.

Conclusions: The new oscillometric method of assessing PWV is highly correlated to the tonometrically derived PWV. Further studies are necessary to define the clinical use of the oscillometrically derived PWV.