Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity responses following hyperemia in patients with congestive heart failure.

Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) normally decreases following hyperemia and is an indicator of vasodilator reserve. This response is impaired in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). To identify specific factors related to an impaired response, we studied 50 patients (60 ± 14 years, 67% male) with chronic CHF.