During each heartbeat a pulse wave travels from the heart down the arterial wall; in advance of blood flow. The more rigid the wall of the artery, the faster the wave moves.
Arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) reflects arterial stiffness and is related to the severity of atherosclerosis: a progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of medium and large arteries that result from inflammed fatty deposits on the inner arterial lining. An increase in PWV is known to predict future cardiovascular events.
There is a relationship between weight change and pulse wave velocity change. Specifically there is an association between weight gain and arterial stiffness progression. On a more healthful note, data also confirms an association between weight loss and arterial stiffness regression.
A two year study of healthy adults aged 20 to 40 years found a mean annual pulse wave velocity regression of 29.9 cm/s for those with a 4.5 kg annual weight loss and a 18.2 cm/s progression for those with a 4.5 kg annual weight gain. 4.5 kg equals ten pounds.
Arterial stiffening influences the load imposed on the ventricles, the efficiency of cardiac ejection and the perfusion of the heart. Stiff arteries diminish heart performance.
Source:
Weight Change is Associated with Change in Arterial Stiffness Among Healthy Young Adults.
Dr. Kim Sutton-Tyrell
Hypertension 2005; 45:187
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