Several methods exist to assess arterial stiffness, but Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) is the most simple, non-invasive, and reproducible measurement [1]. Withings was the first to bring PWV measurements into the home via the Body Cardio smart scale in 2016. PWV measurements with the Body Cardio scale have been validated through a study conducted by Prof. Pierre Boutouyrie of AP-HP at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris, France [3].

Implementing PWV on Body Cardio has been an important development towards calculating vascular aging. Withings now has the largest PWV database in the world through enabling PWV capabilities on Body Cardio. The high number of measurements taken thus far (more than 80 million) has allowed Withings to study the evolution of PWV for a large population for different ages using anonymized data. This testing and data have allowed Withings to define the classification and algorithm behind vascular age.

In addition to analyzing large amounts of data to produce the classification and predict vascular aging, a cardiologist and pharmacology professor helped verify this new feature, and several publications concerning the concepts of "early vascular aging" (EVA) and "supernormal vascular aging" (SUPERNOVA) were also taken into account [4].

Figure 1 - SUPERNOVA and EVA zones for a PWV distribution for a given age group

EVA refers to patients who have an accelerated arterial aging and thus have an abnormally high arterial stiffness. By finding patients with EVA, Withings is able to better predict the risk of cardiovascular events [2]. With this new vascular age metric, Withings aims to identify people who have a high vascular age for their chronological group, characterised as “Not optimal” on the scale and in the Withings application.

On the opposite side of the vascular spectrum, some patients will present with slow vascular aging and will have an abnormally low arterial stiffness for their chronological age. This status is characterised as SUPERNOVA meaning patients will have a lower risk of cardiovascular events [2]. The “Optimal” zone on Withings Body Cardio and in the application helps identify these patterns.

By providing Body Cardio smart scale users with a way to assess vascular age at home, Withings helps anyone keep an eye on their cardiovascular health. Withings vascular age normality zones can identify if arteries are aging slower or faster compared to other people in the same age group. The vascular age range gives a clear, understandable metric to follow heart health.

Disclaimers:

• Body Cardio is not a medical device and as such it is not intended to detect, prevent, monitor, or treat any disease. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any healthcare decisions or starting any diet or exercise program.
• Vascular Age is a relative indicator based on Withings users. This feature can’t predict an absolute risk of developing a cardiovascular disease and should only be considered as a wellness indicator.

References:

[1] Laurent, Stéphane Defining vascular aging and cardiovascular risk, Journal of Hypertension: June 2012 - Volume 30 - Issue - p S3-S8 doi: 10.1097/HJH.0b013e328353e501

[2] Nilsson PM, Boutouyrie P, Laurent S. Vascular aging: A tale of EVA and ADAM in cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention. Hypertension. 2009 Jul;54(1):3-10. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.109.129114. Epub 2009 Jun 1. PMID: 19487587.

[3] Campo D, Khettab H, Yu R, Genain N, Edouard P, Buard N, Boutouyrie P. Measurement of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity With a Connected Bathroom Scale. Am J Hypertens. 2017 Sep 1;30(9):876-883. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpx059. PMID: 28520843; PMCID: PMC5861589.

[4] Laurent S, Boutouyrie P, Cunha PG, Lacolley P, Nilsson PM. Concept of Extremes in Vascular Aging. Hypertension. 2019 Aug;74(2):218-228. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.12655. Epub 2019 Jun 17. PMID: 31203728.