Pulse wave analysis

Arterial stiffness, hypertension and diabetes mellitus

“…16,17 Until recently, however, only peripheral arterial waveforms could be recorded non-invasively, but refinements introduced by O'Rourke have made non-invasive analysis of central waveforms possible for the first time. 18 In the O'Rourke system peripheral pressure waveforms are recorded with high fidelity using applanation tonometry. 19 A tonometer, with a Millar micromanometer at its tip, is used to flatten but not occlude a peripheral artery.…”

“…[20][21][22][23] Augmentation index (AIx), a measure of systemic arterial stiffness, can then be calculated as the difference between the first and second systolic peaks expressed as a percentage of the pulse pressure, and central pressure derived. 18 Moreover, by gating measurements to the R wave of an ECG, and making recordings at two sites, PWV can also be measured. We have already shown that the system can be used reproducibly in various patient groups, 24 and believe that it provides an ideal tool with which to assess arterial stiffness easily and rapidly in large outcome-based studies.…”

Contribution of abnormal arterial function to cardiac syndrome X: a study of pressure waveform analysis and exercise haemodynamics

“…9 With the exception of heart rate, none of these variables significantly differed between groups. This study cannot discern whether bradycardia is intrinsic to the CSX condition; however, this is recognized as being detrimental to cardiac function 10 and, to our knowledge, has not previously been reported in CSX patients.…”

Impact of passive vibration on pressure pulse wave characteristics

“…SBP and DBP were used to calibrate radial waveforms obtained from a 10-s epoch using a high-fidelity tonometer (SPT-301B; Millar Instruments, Houston, TX, USA). 23,24 Pulse pressure was calculated as the difference between SBP and DBP. Aortic BP waveforms were derived using a generalized validated transfer function (SphygmoCor, AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia).…”