Pulse Wave Velocity

**Semantic type:** Quantitative Concept

**Definition:** The rate at which a pressure wave moves distally through an artery, which is a direct measure of arterial stiffness. Clinically, this value is calculated by placing two pressure catheters a known distance apart (pulse wave distance), measuring the pressure wave's travel time between sensors (pulse transit time), and then dividing the distance by the transit time.

**Synonyms:** - PWV