Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Circulation
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Circulation. 1997;95:1827-1836

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Chen, C.-H.
Right arrow Articles by Kass, D. A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Chen, C.-H.
Right arrow Articles by Kass, D. A.
Right arrowPubmed/NCBI databases
*Compound via MeSH
*Substance via MeSH
Hazardous Substances DB
*NITROGLYCERIN

(Circulation. 1997;95:1827-1836.)
© 1997 American Heart Association, Inc.


Articles

Estimation of Central Aortic Pressure Waveform by Mathematical Transformation of Radial Tonometry Pressure

Validation of Generalized Transfer Function

Chen-Huan Chen, MD; Erez Nevo, MD, DSc; Barry Fetics, BE; Peter H. Pak, MD; Frank C.P. Yin, MD, PhD; W. Lowell Maughan, MD; David A. Kass, MD

From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Md.

Correspondence to David A. Kass, MD, Halsted 500, Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287. E-mail dkass{at}welchlink.welch.jhu.edu


*    Abstract
up arrowTop
*Abstract
down arrowIntroduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowReferences
 
Background Central aortic pressures and waveform convey important information about cardiovascular status, but direct measurements are invasive. Peripheral pressures can be measured noninvasively, and although they often differ substantially from central pressures, they may be mathematically transformed to approximate the latter. We tested this approach, examining intersubject and intrasubject variability and the validity of using a single averaged transformation, which would enhance its applicability.

Methods and Results Invasive central aortic pressure by micromanometer and radial pressure by automated tonometry were measured in 20 patients at steady state and during hemodynamic transients (Valsalva maneuver, abdominal compression, nitroglycerin, or vena caval obstruction). For each patient, transfer functions (TFs) between aortic and radial pressures were calculated by parametric model and results averaged to yield individual TFs. A generalized TF was the average of individual functions. TFs varied among patients, with coefficients of variation for peak amplitude and frequency at peak amplitude of 24.9% and 16.9%, respectively. Intrapatient TF variance with altered loading (>20% variation in peak amplitude) was observed in 28.5% of patients. Despite this, the generalized TF estimated central arterial pressures to <=0.2±3.8 mm Hg error, arterial compliance to 6±7% accuracy, and augmentation index to within -7% points (30±45% accuracy). Individual TFs were only marginally superior to the generalized TF for reconstructing central pressures.

Conclusions Central aortic pressures can be accurately estimated from radial tonometry with the use of a generalized TF. The reconstructed waveform can provide arterial compliance estimates but may underestimate the augmentation index because the latter requires greater fidelity reproduction of the wave contour.


Key Words: blood pressure • diagnosis • aorta


*    Introduction
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
*Introduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowReferences
 
Central aortic systolic and diastolic pressures are determinants of cardiac loading and perfusion, and they impact importantly on cardiovascular function. Knowledge of these pressures is often crucial to precise monitoring and titration of interventions in disease states. In addition to the pressures themselves, the arterial pressure waveform conveys useful information regarding systemic vascular stiffness,1 reflected waves,2 compliance, and other features of value in the bedside physical examination.3 Central arterial pressures can also be combined with measured aortic flows or left ventricular volumes to derive indexes of cardiac systolic function4 5 and ventricular-vascular interaction.6 7 8 However, widespread application of such analysis has been hindered by the requirement for invasive pressure measurements. An ability to accurately and noninvasively estimate aortic pressure waves would indeed be a valuable addition to current noninvasive tools such as those provided by echo/Doppler9 10 and magnetic resonance imaging.11

We previously validated a noninvasive technique to estimate central aortic systolic and diastolic pressures and the ascending portion of the pressure waveform.12 Coupled with radionuclide ventricular volumetry, this method was useful for assessing contractile function in heart failure patients13 and evaluating mechanisms of new drug therapies.14 However, this technique did not provide real-time, beat-to-beat pressures. Moreover, the reconstructed waveform was truncated after peak systolic pressure, so that the late systolic and the diastolic portions of the waveform were unavailable. Another noninvasive technique is applanation tonometry, which uses an externally applied micromanometer-tipped probe to continuously record peripheral pulse waveforms.15 16 Accurate recording with this method requires that the vessel wall be flattened by the probe so that transmural forces are perpendicular to the arterial surface.17 We and others have shown that reasonable estimates of central aortic pressure waveforms can be obtained by tonometry from the carotid artery.18 This technique is suboptimal, however, because the artery is surrounded by loose tissue, making it difficult to ascertain and consistently achieve optimal applanation.

In contrast to the carotid artery, the radial artery is very accessible and well supported by bony tissue, making optimal applanation far easier to achieve. The main disadvantage of using the radial pulse is that the pressure contour changes appreciably as it travels from the aorta to more peripheral sites, so that radial pressures cannot be used directly as a surrogate for central aortic pressure.19 However, it may be possible to estimate the central aortic pressure wave from radial tonometry data with the use of a mathematical transformation. Karamanoglu et al20 recently proposed such an approach using a single group-averaged TF to reconstruct aortic pressures. However, that study did not systematically assess interpatient and intrapatient variability of the TF, nor did it critically test potential influences of such variance on estimated parameters from the reconstructed waveforms. Because age and disease can dramatically affect vascular properties, it is unclear if a generalized approach can be used or if individualized transformation tailored to age, sex, and disease state is needed for accurate resynthesis.

Therefore, the principal goals of the present study were to determine the magnitude of interpatient and intrapatient variation of the TF between central and radial pressure waves under baseline conditions and during physiological maneuvers that substantially altered blood pressure. We further tested whether an averaged (generalized) transformation was sufficient to accurately estimate central pressures despite such variability. Radial pressures were measured by an automated tonometry21 device and were compared with micromanometer pressures measured in the central aorta.


*    Methods
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
*Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowReferences
 
Study Subjects
Twenty patients referred for diagnostic cardiac catheterization at Johns Hopkins Hospital were enrolled for this study. Informed consent in a form approved by the institutional review board was obtained in all subjects. There were 16 men and 4 women with a mean age of 59 years (range, 36 to 78 years). Table 1Down provides a summary of clinical characteristics, cardiovascular diagnosis, ejection fraction, and aortic and radial blood pressures at baseline and after maximal load reduction.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1. Subject Characteristics and Aortic and Radial Blood Pressures at Baseline and Maximally Reduced Load

Central Aortic and Radial Artery Pressure Recording
After completion of routine catheterization, a micromanometer (SPC-320, Millar Instruments) was advanced inside the lumen of a pigtail catheter placed in the ascending aorta. In some patients, aortic pressure was recorded by a micromanometer mounted on a multielectrode pressure-volume catheter (SSD-768, Millar Instruments).

Radial pressure waves were recorded with the use of an improved automated tonometry device (Jentow, Colin Medical Inst Corp). Previous studies had used hand-held tonometers.20 Although this was probably adequate for brief steady-state data, manual recording was too unstable for accurate pressure tracking during hemodynamic transients, and it introduced an element of user dependence and thus potential bias to the data. The automated system circumvented these limitations. It used a wristwatchlike sensor with an array of 30 piezoresistive pressure transducers and included a servo-feedback mechanical system to optimize sensor position over the radial artery, determine the subset of microsensors from which to derive the pulse tracing, and adjust applanation hold-down pressure to maximize the recorded pulse pressure.21 The sensor was attached to a splint to keep the wrist hyperextended and immobilized. During the study, the tonometer was calibrated to manually triggered oscillometric arm-cuff pressures.

Data Acquisition
Pressure recordings were digitized at 200 Hz and stored for off-line analysis. During the study, the automatic cuff-inflation feature of the tonometer device was disabled. This was critical to assess hemodynamic transient responses. Two-minute steady-state data recordings were made in each subject. Data were then recorded during one or more of several hemodynamic transient maneuvers: Valsalva maneuver, manual compression of the upper abdomen, intravenous bolus of 200 µg nitroglycerin, or balloon obstruction of inferior vena caval inflow. Subjects were advised to keep the instrumented wrist and arm still during data acquisition.

Data Analysis
Calibration of Radial Tonometry
Although the radial tonometry signal was already calibrated to an oscillometric cuff systolic and diastolic pressure (a component of the Jentow device), there was still some uncertainty regarding the accuracy of this calibration. Because our main goal was to test the reliability of reverse transformation from radial to aortic waveforms, we first minimized such potential calibration errors by matching mean and diastolic pressures of the radial pulse signal to those measured by aortic micromanometer for steady-state data.22 In a separate analysis, we then tested the sensitivity of the resynthesized aortic pressures to calibration errors in the radial signal.

Selection of Data During Hemodynamic Transients
Optimal applanation was occasionally lost during maneuvers such as Valsalva or abdominal compression, generally due to subconscious movement or stiffening of the instrumented wrist. Therefore, several sets of data recorded during these maneuvers were unreliable. Loss of adequate applanation was suspected in 6 of the 20 patients on the basis of a sudden marked loss of correlation between the two pressure recordings during the transient. These data tracings were not used for subsequent analysis.

Estimation of TF
TFs between aortic pressure and radial pressure signals were derived in each patient by the linear ARX model (see "Appendix"). This methodology yields more statistically stable and thus reliable spectral estimates from limited data compared with nonparametric (Fourier transform) approaches.23 Mean individual patient TFs and their variances were evaluated by three to five TFs estimated from separate steady-state data sequences (ITFss). Typical sequences reflected four to eight sequential beats with a total of 1000 to 2000 data points. A TF GTFss was obtained by averaging the ITFss from all 20 patients. For each of the 14 subjects with stable hemodynamic transient data, an ITFtr was determined by averaging functions derived from data reflecting the wide range of hemodynamic conditions measured during the transient. The ITFtr results were also group averaged, yielding a GTFtr.

TFs were calculated in the physiological (forward) direction, ie, transforming aortic pressure to radial pressure as occurs with blood flow from central to peripheral vasculature. To reconstruct the aortic waveform from radial tonometry, the individual and generalized inverse TFs (ITFss-1, ITFtr-1, and GTFss-1) were calculated (see "Appendix").

Evaluation of Reconstructed Aortic Pressure Waves at Steady State
For each subject, two reconstructed steady-state aortic pressure waves were derived by applying the GTFss-1 and ITFss-1 to steady-state data. Aortic, radial, and the two estimated aortic pressure waves were then signal averaged to generate four pressure waveforms for each cardiac cycle. Systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures; total arterial compliance; and AI24 were calculated from each ensemble of pressure waves and compared. Waveforms were phase aligned, and point-by-point differences and regressions were used to compare waves. Overall agreement between the radial, reconstructed aortic, and invasive aortic pressures were quantified by the sum of squares of these differences normalized to the number of data points.

An error-sensitivity test was applied to evaluate the impact of the radial pressure calibration inaccuracies on estimated central pressures. Because the most common inaccuracy is in the diastolic pressure measurement, radial pressures were modified so that the input diastolic blood pressures were increased or decreased by 15 mm Hg in steps of 5 mm Hg, with systolic pressure kept constant. The GTFss-1 was then applied to this altered radial data, and the influence of calibration error on estimated aortic systolic pressure was determined.

Evaluation of Reconstructed Aortic Pressure Waves During Hemodynamic Transients
We reconstructed three sets of aortic pressure waves from radial pressure waveforms using (1) the GTFss-1, (2) respective ITFss-1, and (3) respective ITFtr-1. Beat-to-beat systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures from aortic, radial, and the three aortic pressure estimates were determined for each transient sequence. Comparisons were examined by linear regression analysis, with measured central aortic pressures as the dependent variable. In addition, the maximal absolute pressure differences between estimated and measured aortic data during the transient were determined. Thus, we tested the extent to which the transformed radial pressure data could accurately predict the extent of central aortic pressure change induced by the various interventions.

Statistical Analysis
Data are presented as mean±SD. Comparisons between measured and estimated parameters were performed by ANOVA. Significance was accepted at a value of P<=.05.


*    Results
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
*Results
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowReferences
 
Aortic-Radial Pressure Differences and TF Analysis
Fig 1ADown shows typical features of central aortic and radial tonometry pressure waveforms. The radial waveform at steady state has a more rapid upstroke and rapid decline from peak, enhanced secondary oscillations at the dicrotic notch, and higher peak systolic and pulse pressures. Resting radial systolic pressures exceeded aortic pressure by 10.3±9.4 mm Hg (P=.001), or 8% on average. At maximal pressure reduction (mean 40-mm Hg decline in systolic pressure) during hemodynamic transients, this disparity rose to 17±10 mm Hg, or 16%.



View larger version (25K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. A, Discrepancy between resting central aortic and radial pressure waveforms. B, Spectral plots of GTFs (shaded area defines 95% CI) generated from the steady-state (n=20) or hemodynamic transient (n=14) data. The spectra of GTF previously reported20 are also shown as the dotted line at integer frequencies, with 95% CI error bars.

Fig 1BUp displays the two GTFs describing the transformation from aortic to radial pressure waveforms. The GTFss (n=20) and GTFtr (n=14) were very similar. The peak amplitude of the GTFs occurred between 4 to 5 Hz (4.38±0.74 and 4.35±0.66 Hz), reaching an amplitude of {approx}2.5x the value at zero frequency (2.66±0.66 and 2.54±0.42). However, as indicated by the 95% CIs, there was considerable interpatient variability. The steady-state interpatient coefficient of variation (SDx100/mean) was 25.3% for peak amplitude and 16.9% for the frequency of peak amplitude. Steady-state intrapatient variability was less, with a mean of 6.0% for the peak amplitude (range, 0.9% to 21.0%) and 2.9% for frequency of peak amplitude (range, 0.0% to 10.4%). However, this variability was greater (14.8% and 9.8%, respectively) during hemodynamic transients, with 28.5% of patients displaying >20% change in the peak TF amplitude.

Because the GTFss and GTFtr were similar, only the GTFss-1 was used for waveform resynthesis analysis. The steady-state TF previously reported by Karamanoglu et al20 is also shown in Fig 1BUp and was similar to those derived for the present study but with slightly greater variance and amplitude.

Reconstruction of Aortic Pressure Waveform at Steady State
Fig 2Down displays examples of pressure tracings for measured central aortic and radial tonometry pressures and estimated aortic pressures from transformed radial data using the GTFss-1 and ITFss-1. Use of the GTFss-1 yielded a waveform with pulse amplitude and contour similar to the centrally measured wave. Application of the ITFss-1 yielded very similar results, with somewhat better fidelity for reproducing high-frequency fluctuations such as the systolic inflection. Fig 2Down also displays regressions of radial or transformed (estimated) aortic pressure waveforms versus measured central aortic pressure. There was slightly greater accuracy in waveform estimation (indexed by minimal area of the plot) with the ITFss-1.



View larger version (25K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. Example of measured aortic pressure wave (dotted lines) versus simultaneously recorded radial pressure wave (A), the aortic pressure wave reconstructed by application of the GTFss-1 (B), and aortic pressure wave reconstructed by application of the ITFss-1(C). {bullet}, Systolic inflection points resulting from arterial wave reflection (used to calculate the AI). {circ}, Timing of the incisura. Corresponding plots of each respective pressure wave (y axis) versus aortic pressure (x axis) are shown below (D-F).

Table 2Down lists group hemodynamic data derived from central aortic pressures and compares them to values measured from the raw radial pressure tracings and to values estimated after GTFss-1 or ITFss-1 transformation of the radial pressures. GTFss-1-estimated central arterial pressures differed from measured values by <=0.2±3.8 mm Hg. ITFss-1 transformation reduced this variance to 0.9 mm Hg. Normalized sum-of-squares differences between aortic and radial pressure waves averaged 209±201 mm Hg2 during the cardiac cycle. Corresponding values for the reconstructed aortic pressure wave derived by the GTFss-1 or ITFss-1 were 7±6 and 2±2 mm Hg2, respectively. Thus, GTFss-1 yielded a 96% improvement in the fit between measured and estimated central aortic pressure waveform (P<.001), and the ITFss-1 improved the fit by an additional 3% (P<.001). Error-sensitivity analysis revealed that a 10-mm Hg error in radial diastolic pressure calibration yielded only a 3-mm Hg mean deviation in aortic systolic pressure. This result was similar with both GTFss-1 and ITFss-1 analysis.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 2. Comparisons Between Arterial Pressures, Estimated Compliance (Assuming the Same Stroke Volume), and AI Measured From Steady-state Central Aortic and Radial Tonometer Signals and Estimated From GTF and ITF Analysis

Total vascular compliance based on radial pressures was overestimated by 26.4%; this was markedly improved to only a 6.2% error when the GTFss-1 transformation was used. Application of the ITFss-1 to the same radial pressure data did not improve this mean result.

The central arterial AI calculated from reconstructed waveforms was significantly lower than that calculated directly from the aortic pressure wave (both P<.05). On average, the mean AI by GTFss-1 analysis was 30±45% lower. The variance in this underestimation was reduced when the ITFss-1 was used.

Hemodynamic Transient Analysis
Fig 3Down displays examples of pressure data measured before and during transient reductions in arterial pressure induced by inferior vena caval occlusion. Although radial pressure generally tracked aortic pressure during the transient, there was an increasing disparity between the two signals at the nadir of the response with respect to both amplitude and waveform. This is highlighted in the lower tracings in Fig 3Down. Regression analysis of raw radial versus aortic pressures during such transients (Table 3Down) revealed that the diastolic pressure had the strongest correlation. The maximal disparity between radial and aortic systolic (and pulse) pressures averaged 25±8 mm Hg and was not always observed at the pressure nadir (cf Table 1Up). Thus, an intervention that appeared to reduce arterial systolic pressures by 15 mm Hg, as measured at the radial artery, might have actually lowered central aortic pressure by as much as 40 mm Hg.



View larger version (38K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. Top, Example of simultaneous aortic (dotted line) and radial (solid line) pressure waveforms during transient inferior vena caval occlusion (preload reduction). {circ}, Systolic and diastolic points of the true aortic pressure wave; {bullet}, systolic and diastolic points of the radial pressure wave. Bottom, Expanded views of respective pressure waveforms at high preload (left) and reduced preload (right). The radial pressure followed the change in aortic pressure; however, the waveforms differed considerably at both high- and particularly low–pressure states.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 3. Regression Analyses of Measured Central Aortic Pressures and Systolic, Diastolic, and Pulse Pressures Obtained From Radial Tonometry or TF Analysis

Fig 4Down displays the same patient data with radial pressures transformed by GTFss-1 (Fig 4ADown) or ITFss-1 (Fig 4BDown). There was marked improvement in concordance of the amplitude at rest and throughout the entire pressure transient with GTFss-1. Slightly better concordance was achieved with ITFss-1 analysis, particularly with respect to the precise waveform shape.



View larger version (35K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 4. A, Data are as in Fig 3Up, with radial pressures now transformed by inverse GTF. Lower panels again show individual pressure tracings at resting and reduced preload. The reconstructed pressure wave tracked the true aortic pressure much better, but there were still some notches and distortions in the waveform. B, Same data, but with radial pressures transformed using the ITF. The reconstructed wave contours displayed even better agreement with measured waveforms, with minimal distortion.

Examples of regressions of systolic, diastolic, or pulse pressure for radial and transformed radial pressures against measured aortic pressure during hemodynamic transients are shown in Fig 5Down. Application of the GTFss-1 shifted the regressions toward the line of identity, and a slight further improvement was observed if the ITFss-1 was used. There was no further benefit from ITF-1 derived from beats at varying loads (ITFtr-1). Group data in Table 3Up support these examples.



View larger version (38K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 5. Example of regression analyses for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures during hemodynamic transients. Dependent variables are measured central aortic pressures. Independent variables are radial and reconstructed aortic pressures by applying the GTFss-1 or ITFss-1.

The accuracy of GTFss-1 or ITFss-1 resynthesis of central aortic pressure waveforms during a transient loading change depended on the constancy of TF. Although the TF was constant on average, several patients displayed marked changes in TF with load reduction. Fig 6Down shows an example of this response. ITFs were calculated from cycles selected during the fall in arterial load. In the patient whose data are shown in Fig 6ADown, these ITFs were little altered, whereas in the patient whose data are shown in Fig 6BDown, there was a marked change in ITF during the transient. No single constant TF could therefore accurately reconstruct pressure waveforms during transients in such a patient. It should be noted that this degree of intrapatient variability of TF (coefficient of variation for peak amplitude >20%) was less common, occurring in 4 of 14 subjects.



View larger version (30K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 6. Examples of potential variance in ITF as a function of hemodynamic loading. Data are ITFs derived from individual cardiac cycles measured throughout the load change. A, Data from one patient display minimal alteration in the ITF despite preload reduction. B, In contrast, this patient displays substantial variability in the TF during a Valsalva maneuver.


*    Discussion
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
*Discussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowReferences
 
This study demonstrates that clinically acceptable predictions of central arterial pressure and the pressure waveform can be obtained by mathematical manipulation of radial pressure waves by use of a GTFss-1. These results extend earlier data20 by showing, rather surprisingly, that this method works despite marked changes in pressure induced by hemodynamic transients and that equally surprisingly, only relatively small additional improvement in the prediction is achieved if an ITF-1 is used for each patient. Application of this approach to radial pressure data should improve titration of vasodilators and other medications, as it is well recognized that radial pressures can underestimate the hemodynamic benefit of such drugs.25

The amplitude and phase configuration of the TF relating aortic to radial pressures were generally similar among patients as well as within patients during hemodynamic transients. This finding provides insight into the likely sources for TF variability. The marked changes in radial and central aortic pressure waveforms when mean pressure was lowered reflect the pressure dependence not only of vascular compliance but also of the timing and magnitude of reflected waves. When pulse wave velocity is low, reflected waves return to the aortic region after end ejection, with minimal effects on aortic systolic pressure. When velocity is high, the reflected waves return sooner, augmenting systolic pressure.2 The dependence of pulse wave velocity, arterial compliance, and reflected waves on mean blood pressure varies with age and vascular disease.26 27 28 All of these considerations might lead one to suspect that a generalized TF approach should not work. Yet the opposite was demonstrated in most patients, suggesting that anatomic factors dominate over physiological conditions in determining the TF.

The finding that the GTFss-1 works nearly as well as an ITF-1 suggests that differences in body morphology, age, and sex are not as strong determinants of the TF as the pressure amplification due to vascular branching in the upper extremity that occurs in everyone.29 Indeed, our TF data are in close agreement with previously reported results (peak at 4 Hz with amplification of 2.8).20 Vascular properties in the upper limb are less affected by aging, arterial pressure, or various maneuvers compared with vessels in the trunk and lower limbs,26 27 28 30 and therefore this observation might not hold true for TFs between femoral and aortic pressures.

The present study also showed that in a small percentage of individuals, the TF deviated from this generalized form and that it could also vary as a function of mean blood pressure or other physiological conditions (eg, Fig 6Up). In such patients, any constant TF, whether calculated as a generalized or individualized function, would yield less reliable predictions. It is possible that part of this disparity stemmed from subtle inaccuracies in applanation during the hemodynamic transients. However, as correlation coefficients between tonometric radial and central aortic systolic or diastolic pressures remained >0.9, this is less likely. Direct radial pressure recordings will be needed to further explore this question.

Although peak and trough pressures were well predicted by the GTFss-1, the exact shape of the central aortic pressure waveform was less well reproduced. It was improved upon by the ITFss-1, but this requires invasive measurements of aortic pressures. Conceivably, individualization of the TF might be achieved by analysis of simultaneous carotid and radial tonometry signals, but this could introduce additional errors and artifacts. For indexes less dependent on the precise waveform contour, such as total arterial compliance, which was estimated by a method using the area under the diastolic portion of the decay curve,1 the GTFss-1 provided reasonable estimates.

For parameters such as AI, which are more dependent on the high-frequency content (>=8 harmonics; see Fig 7Down) of the pressure wave, this limitation can be problematic. Calculation of AI was in part compromised by the need to low-pass filter the GTF-1, which was required to reduce noise in the reconstructed waveform. The filter cutoff was set by the structure of the ITF-1 to prevent amplification of higher frequencies (within the range of 9 to 12 Hz; see "Appendix"). AI was very dependent on the exact location of this cutoff, contributing to the underestimation.



View larger version (18K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 7. Measured central aortic pressure wave with a clear inflection point on the upstroke (dotted line) is compared with the reconstructed pressure waves (solid line) produced by the sequential summation of the harmonic components (A through H). {bullet}, Systolic inflection points resulting from arterial wave reflection. An inflection point can be detected by the zero crossing of the fourth pressure derivative technique as early as the fourth harmonic. However, the calculated AI underestimates true AI until approximately the eighth harmonic. This indicates the importance of the higher harmonics in presenting precise AI. The reconstructed waves are phase shifted to allow appreciation of their upstrokes.

The TF can be estimated by several techniques. Commonly used Fourier transform approaches are often limited by high variance in the estimated TF and the need for long data sequences to reduce this variance by spectral-estimate averaging (see "Appendix").23 Such long data sequences can only be acquired during steady state. To overcome this limitation and enable TF estimation from short hemodynamic transients, a more efficient parametric estimation algorithm23 was used for the present study.

Our TF did not approach the value of 1 at 0 Hz as might be expected because the means of both central aortic and peripheral radial pressures were matched. However, we also matched the diastolic blood pressures of both signals, even though the real radial diastolic blood pressure is slightly lower.19 By forcing the two diastolic pressures to be the same, energy was artificially introduced into the radial pressure input so that the TF showed some deamplification in the low-frequency range. This calibration technique is practical and widely used; therefore, the resulting TF is appropriate. Furthermore, even when a correction was made to offset this low-frequency deamplification, the results were within 1 mm Hg of those presented.

The TF between ascending aortic micromanometer pressure and radial tonometric pressure in reality combines two functions: one between aortic pressure and the true radial pressure and the second between radial pressure and the tonometry signal. Because we did not invasively instrument the radial artery with a second micromanometer, the influence of this latter component in our population is unknown. Factors such as the thickness of the intervening subcutaneous tissue, positioning of the tonometric pressure sensor, change in the hold-down pressure during hemodynamic transients, or movement of the fingers and wrist could theoretically alter this TF and thus the radial pressure waveform. The TF between invasive radial pressure and the tonometry signal has been studied previously,21 however, and revealed a flat gain to 6 to 7 Hz, which covers the major portion of the frequency range of interest. Thus, we feel that this second function is not of major significance. Most importantly, we have shown that the reverse-TF approach enabled estimation of invasive aortic pressures from noninvasive data, which was the primary goal.

Because of well-recognized discrepancies between the central and peripheral arterial pressure waveforms,29 it is inadequate to monitor hemodynamic status or pharmacological responses from radial pressures. When a generalized TF is applied, the radial pressure recorded either invasively or noninvasively by a tonometric device can be used to reconstruct the central aortic pressure waveform with clinically acceptable accuracy for systolic and pulse pressures and to estimate vascular compliance. This approach should substantially reduce the uncertainties resulting from radial pressure monitoring for critical care, chronic hypertension therapy, and pharmacological trials.


*    Selected Abbreviations and Acronyms
 
AI = augmentation index
ARX = AutoRegressive-eXogenous
GTF = generalized transfer function
GTFss = generalized steady-state transfer function
GTFss-1 = inverse generalized steady-state transfer function
GTFtr = generalized transient transfer function
ITF = individual transfer function
ITFss = individual steady-state transfer functions
ITFss-1 = inverse individual steady-state transfer functions
ITFtr = individual transient transfer function
ITFtr-1 = inverse individual transient transfer function
TF = transfer function



View larger version (26K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 8. Comparison of TF estimation using two methods. A, Spectrum characteristics of parametric-model ARX TF estimation based on six heart cycles, 1024 data points. B, Fourier-derived TF estimated by averaging two TFs from the two halves of the same data sequence (512x2=1024 points). C, Fourier-derived TF using 6144 points of similar steady-state data divided into 12 sequences of 512 points each. Plots are shown as envelopes of ±SD from the mean, which is displayed as a solid line. The ARX estimation has less variance and is more reliable.


*    Acknowledgments
 
This study was supported by National Institute of Aging grant AG-12249 (Dr Kass), a fellowship grant from Colin Medical Instruments Corporation (B. Fetics), and a Fogarty Foundation Fellowship Award (Dr Nevo). The authors are grateful to Colin Medical Instruments Corp for loaning the tonometer used in these studies. Dr Chen is a Clinical Research Fellow from the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital–Taipei and National Yang-Ming University, Republic of China.


*    Appendix 1
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
*Appendix 1
down arrowReferences
 
ARX Parametric Model
The Model
The ARX linear model23 describes the properties of a system on the basis of its immediate past input and output data as


where T(t) and T(t-I) [I=1,2...na] are present and previous output (radial tonometer) discrete measurements, respectively, and P(t-I) are previous input (aortic pressure) discrete measurements. The a's and b's are the parameters of the model, and na and nb represent the order of the model, ie, the number of previous input-output values used to describe the present output.

Model Order Selection
The model order for this study was set to be [10,10], ie, 10 "a" coefficients and 10 "b" coefficients were determined for each TF estimate. The minimal model order was set to be [5,5] to achieve a similar spectral estimate as given by nonparametric methodology (Fourier transform) during steady state. The maximal model order was set at [20,20] on the basis of calculating the Akaike Information Criterion, which measures the estimation performance against the model order.23 The actual model order for the estimation process was selected by testing whether a higher model order yielded a change in the spectral estimate that was larger than the SD of the estimate. This approach was justified because increasing the model order, although resulting in better fit of the measured data, usually increases the variance of the estimate.23 Determination of the smallest model order with sufficient spectral resolution was essential to enable reliable estimation based on short data sequences during hemodynamic transients.

Comparison With Fourier Transform Estimation
Parametric models can be compared with nonparametric methods, eg, TF estimation with the Fourier transform. When the same data set was used, the parametric and nonparametric estimates produced similar results, although the parametric methodology provided a smaller variance of the estimate (Fig 8Up). The variance of the Fourier-derived spectrum was similar to that of the ARX-derived spectrum only when the larger data set was used.

Direct and Inverse TFs
Direct TFs that correspond to the physiological system were estimated with the aortic pressure used as input and the radial tonometer signal as output. To enable reconstruction of the aortic pressure from the radial tonometer signal, an inverse TF was directly derived from the direct TF (Equation 1) as follows:


A problem arises because as the direct TF approaches low gain levels in the frequency range above 8 to 10 Hz (Figs 1Up and 8Up), the inverse TF will have high gains at these frequencies, which amplify high-frequency noise and distort the reconstructed aortic pressure wave. This problem can be solved by convolving the inverse TF with a low-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set at the frequency at which the magnitude of the direct TF gain function declines below 1, except for those cases that resulted in cutoff frequency <9 Hz, in which an average value of 11 Hz was used.

Received September 11, 1996; revision received November 12, 1996; accepted November 19, 1996.


*    References
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
up arrowAppendix 1
*References
 
1. Liu Z, Brin KP, Yin FCP. Estimation of total arterial compliance: an improved method and evaluation of current methods. Am J Physiol. 1986;251:H588-H600.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

2. O'Rourke MF, Yaginuma T. Wave reflections and the arterial pulse. Arch Intern Med. 1984;144:366-371. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

3. O'Rourke MF. The arterial pulse in health and disease. Am Heart J. 1971;82:687-702. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

4. Kass DA, Beyar R. Evaluation of contractile state by maximal ventricular power divided by the square of end-diastolic volume. Circulation. 1991;84:1698-1708. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

5. Kass DA, Maughan WL, Guo ZM, Kono A, Sunagawa K, Sagawa K. Comparative influence of load versus inotropic states on indexes of ventricular contractility: experimental and theoretical analysis based on pressure-volume relationships. Circulation. 1987;76:1422-1436. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

6. Kelly RP, Ting CT, Yang TM, Liu CP, Maughan WL, Chang MS, Kass DA. Effective arterial elastance as index of arterial vascular load in humans. Circulation. 1992;86:513-521. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

7. Kameyama T, Asanoi H, Ishizaka S, Sasayama S. Ventricular load optimization by unloading therapy in patients with heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1991;17:199-207. [Abstract]

8. de Tombe PP, Jones S, Hunter WC, Burkhoff D, Kass DA. Ventricular stroke work and efficiency remain nearly optimal despite broad changes in ventricular-vascular coupling. Am J Physiol. 1993;264:H1817-H1824. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

9. Gorcsan J III, Romand JA, Mandarino WA, Deneault LG, Pinsky MR. Assessment of left ventricular performance by on-line pressure-area relations using echocardiographic automated border detection. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1994;23:242-252. [Abstract]

10. Kelly R, Fitchett D. Noninvasive determination of aortic input impedance and external left ventricular power output: a validation and repeatability study of a new technique. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1992;20:952-963. [Abstract]

11. Pattynama PM, de Roos A, van der Wall EE, Van Voorthuisen AE. Evaluation of cardiac function with magnetic resonance imaging. Am Heart J. 1994;128:595-607. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

12. Sharir T, Marmor A, Ting CT, Chen JW, Liu CP, Chang MS, Yin FCP, Kass DA. Validation of a method for noninvasive measurement of central arterial pressure. Hypertension. 1993;21:74-82. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

13. Sharir T, Feldman MD, Haber H, Feldman AM, Marmor A, Becker LC, Kass DA. Ventricular systolic assessment in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy by preload-adjusted maximal power: validation and noninvasive application. Circulation. 1994;89:2045-2053. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

14. Kass DA, Van Anden E, Becker LC, Kasper EK, White WB, Feldman AM. Dose dependence of chronic positive inotropic effect of vesnarinone in patients with congestive heart failure due to idiopathic or ischemic cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 1996;78:652-656. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

15. Kelly R, Karamanoglu M, Gibbs H, Avolio AP, O'Rourke MF. Noninvasive carotid pressure wave registration as an indicator of ascending aortic pressure. J Vasc Med Biol. 1989;1:241-247.

16. Kelly R, Hayward C, Ganis J, Daley J, Avolio A, O'Rourke M. Noninvasive registration of the arterial pressure pulse waveform using high-fidelity applanation tonometry. J Vasc Med Biol. 1989;1:142-149.

17. Drzewiecki GM, Melbin J, Noordergraaf A. Arterial tonometry: review and analysis. J Biomech. 1983;16:141-152. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

18. Chen CH, Ting CT, Nussbacher A, Nevo E, Kass DA, Pak P, Wang SP, Chang MS, Yin FCP. Validation of carotid artery tonometry as a means of estimating augmentation index of ascending aortic pressure. Hypertension. 1996;27:168-175. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

19. Pauca AL, Wallenhaupt SL, Kon ND, Tucker WY. Does radial artery pressure accurately reflect aortic pressure? Chest. 1992;102:1193-1198. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

20. Karamanoglu M, O'Rourke MF, Avolio AP, Kelly RP. An analysis of the relationship between central aortic and peripheral upper limb pressure waves in man. Eur Heart J. 1993;14:160-167. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

21. Sato T, Nishinaga M, Kawamoto A, Ozawa T, Takatsuji H. Accuracy of a continuous blood pressure monitor based on arterial tonometry. Hypertension. 1993;21:866-874. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

22. Karamanoglu M, Gallagher DE, Avolio AP, O'Rourke MF. Pressure wave propagation in a multibranched model of the human upper limb. Am J Physiol. 1995;269:H1363-H1369. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

23. Ljung L. System Identification: Theory for the User. 1st ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall; 1987.

24. Takazawa K, Tanaka N, Takeda K, Kurosu F, Ibukiyama C. Underestimation of vasodilator effects of nitroglycerin by upper limb blood pressure. Hypertension. 1995;26:520-523. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

25. Simkus GJ, Fitchett DH. Radial arterial pressure measurements may be a poor guide to the beneficial effects of nitroprusside on left ventricular systolic pressure in congestive heart failure. Am J Cardiol. 1990;66:323-326. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

26. Cox RH. Pressure dependence of the mechanical properties of arteries in vivo. Am J Physiol. 1975;229:1371-1375.

27. Alexander J Jr, Burkhoff D, Schipke J, Sagawa K. Influence of mean pressure on aortic impedance and reflections in the systemic arterial system. Am J Physiol. 1989;257:H969-H978. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

28. Latson TW, Hunter WC, Katoh N, Sagawa K. Effect of nitroglycerin on aortic impedance, diameter, and pulse-wave velocity. Circ Res. 1988;62:884-890. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

29. O'Rourke MF, Kelly R, Avolio A. The Arterial Pulse. Philadelphia, Pa: Lea & Febiger; 1992.

30. Boutouyrie P, Laurent S, Benetos A, Girerd XJ, Hoeks APG, Safar ME. Opposing effects of aging on distal and proximal large arteries in hypertensives. J Hypertens. 1992;10(suppl 6):S87-S91.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
M. S. Utescu, A. LeBoeuf, N. Chbinou, S. Desmeules, M. Lebel, and M. Agharazii
The impact of arteriovenous fistulas on aortic stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., June 9, 2009; (2009) gfp276v1.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
S. P. L. Rice, N. Agarwal, H. Bolusani, R. Newcombe, M. F. Scanlon, M. Ludgate, and D. A. Rees
Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Replacement on Vascular Function in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A Randomized Crossover Trial
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2009; 94(6): 1966 - 1972.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EchocardiogrHome page
Y. Zocalo, D. Bia, W. Reyes-Caorsi, J. Gonzalez-Moreno, and R. L. Armentano
Arterial load reduction after cardiac resynchronization therapy: why does it change?
Eur J Echocardiogr, June 1, 2009; 10(4): 461 - 462.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
E. Lurbe, E. Carvajal, I. Torro, F. Aguilar, J. Alvarez, and J. Redon
Influence of Concurrent Obesity and Low Birth Weight on Blood Pressure Phenotype in Youth
Hypertension, June 1, 2009; 53(6): 912 - 917.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
M. Yaron, Y. Greenman, J. B Rosenfeld, E. Izkhakov, R. Limor, E. Osher, G. Shenkerman, K. Tordjman, and N. Stern
Effect of testosterone replacement therapy on arterial stiffness in older hypogonadal men
Eur. J. Endocrinol., May 1, 2009; 160(5): 839 - 846.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ANGIOLOGYHome page
O. Olafiranye, G. Qureshi, L. Salciccioli, K. Vernon-Jones, C. Philip, J. Kassotis, and J. M. Lazar
The Relationship Between Effective Arterial Capacitance and Pulse Wave Velocity Is Dependent on Left Ventricular Stroke Volume
Angiology, February 1, 2009; 60(1): 82 - 86.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. G. Kips, E. R. Rietzschel, M. L. De Buyzere, B. E. Westerhof, T. C. Gillebert, L. M. Van Bortel, and P. Segers
Evaluation of Noninvasive Methods to Assess Wave Reflection and Pulse Transit Time From the Pressure Waveform Alone
Hypertension, February 1, 2009; 53(2): 142 - 149.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
B. E. Westerhof, I. Guelen, W. J. Stok, H. A. J. Lasance, C. A. P. L. Ascoop, K. H. Wesseling, N. Westerhof, W. J. W. Bos, N. Stergiopulos, and J. A. E. Spaan
Individualization of transfer function in estimation of central aortic pressure from the peripheral pulse is not required in patients at rest
J Appl Physiol, December 1, 2008; 105(6): 1858 - 1863.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
K. S. Heffernan, S. Y. Jae, K. R. Wilund, J. A. Woods, and B. Fernhall
Racial differences in central blood pressure and vascular function in young men
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, December 1, 2008; 295(6): H2380 - H2387.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Ther Adv Cardiovasc DisHome page
R. D. Smith and P. J. Levy
Review: New techniques for assessment of vascular function
Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, October 1, 2008; 2(5): 373 - 385.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
C.-J. Thore, J. Stalhand, and M. Karlsson
Toward a noninvasive subject-specific estimation of abdominal aortic pressure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2008; 295(3): H1156 - H1164.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Psychosom. Med.Home page
T. Ishizawa, K. Yoshiuchi, Y. Takimoto, Y. Yamamoto, and A. Akabayashi
Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Variability and Baroreflex Sensitivity in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa
Psychosom Med, July 1, 2008; 70(6): 695 - 700.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
D. G. Edwards, M. S. Roy, and R. Y. Prasad
Wave reflection augments central systolic and pulse pressures during facial cooling
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2008; 294(6): H2535 - H2539.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
A. Avolio
Central Aortic Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Risk: A Paradigm Shift?
Hypertension, June 1, 2008; 51(6): 1470 - 1471.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. Karalliedde, A. Smith, L. DeAngelis, V. Mirenda, A. Kandra, J. Botha, P. Ferber, and G. Viberti
Valsartan Improves Arterial Stiffness in Type 2 Diabetes Independently of Blood Pressure Lowering
Hypertension, June 1, 2008; 51(6): 1617 - 1623.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
Y. Aggoun, N. J. Farpour-Lambert, L. M. Marchand, E. Golay, A. B.R. Maggio, and M. Beghetti
Impaired endothelial and smooth muscle functions and arterial stiffness appear before puberty in obese children and are associated with elevated ambulatory blood pressure
Eur. Heart J., March 2, 2008; 29(6): 792 - 799.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone SystemHome page
M. P Schneider, C. Delles, A. U Klingbeil, M. Ludwig, R. E Kolloch, M. Krekler, K. O Stumpe, and R. E Schmieder
Effect of angiotensin receptor blockade on central haemodynamics in essential hypertension: results of a randomised trial
Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, March 1, 2008; 9(1): 49 - 56.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Ther Adv Cardiovasc DisHome page
M. Shimizu and K. Kario
Review: Role of the augmentation index in hypertension
Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, February 1, 2008; 2(1): 25 - 35.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
D. G. Edwards, C. R. Mastin, and R. W. Kenefick
Wave reflection and central aortic pressure are increased in response to static and dynamic muscle contraction at comparable workloads
J Appl Physiol, February 1, 2008; 104(2): 439 - 445.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
L. Ghiadoni, G. Penno, C. Giannarelli, Y. Plantinga, M. Bernardini, L. Pucci, R. Miccoli, S. Taddei, A. Salvetti, and S. Del Prato
Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Alterations in Normotensive Subjects at Risk of Diabetes Mellitus
Hypertension, February 1, 2008; 51(2): 440 - 445.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
A. Qasem and A. Avolio
Determination of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity From Waveform Decomposition of the Central Aortic Pressure Pulse
Hypertension, February 1, 2008; 51(2): 188 - 195.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CJASNHome page
S. S. DeLoach and R. R. Townsend
Vascular Stiffness: Its Measurement and Significance for Epidemiologic and Outcome Studies
Clin. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., January 1, 2008; 3(1): 184 - 192.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. J. Sommerfield, I. B. Wilkinson, D. J. Webb, and B. M. Frier
Vessel wall stiffness in type 1 diabetes and the central hemodynamic effects of acute hypoglycemia
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, November 1, 2007; 293(5): E1274 - E1279.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Exp. Biol. Med.Home page
D. P. Casey, D. T. Beck, and R. W. Braith
Progressive Resistance Training Without Volume Increases Does Not Alter Arterial Stiffness and Aortic Wave Reflection
Experimental Biology and Medicine, October 1, 2007; 232(9): 1228 - 1235.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. L. Curtis, A. Zambanini, J. Mayet, S. A. McG Thom, R. Foale, K. H. Parker, and A. D. Hughes
Reduced systolic wave generation and increased peripheral wave reflection in chronic heart failure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 1, 2007; 293(1): H557 - H562.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
M. E. Safar
Mechanism(s) of Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction and Drug Therapy in Hypertension
Hypertension, July 1, 2007; 50(1): 167 - 171.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
Authors/Task Force Members:, G. Mancia, G. De Backer, A. Dominiczak, R. Cifkova, R. Fagard, G. Germano, G. Grassi, A. M. Heagerty, S. E. Kjeldsen, et al.
2007 Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension: The Task Force for the Management of Arterial Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Eur. Heart J., June 11, 2007; (2007) ehm236v1.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
J.-M. Tartiere, D. Logeart, F. Beauvais, C. Chavelas, L. Kesri, J.-Y. Tabet, and A. Cohen-solal
Non-invasive radial pulse wave assessment for the evaluation of left ventricular systolic performance in heart failure
Eur J Heart Fail, May 1, 2007; 9(5): 477 - 483.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
G. Swamy, Q. Ling, T. Li, and R. Mukkamala
Blind identification of the aortic pressure waveform from multiple peripheral artery pressure waveforms
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, May 1, 2007; 292(5): H2257 - H2264.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
I. J. Kullo and A. R. Malik
Arterial Ultrasonography and Tonometry as Adjuncts to Cardiovascular Risk Stratification
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., April 3, 2007; 49(13): 1413 - 1426.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes and Vascular Disease ResearchHome page
J. M. Lee, C. Shirodaria, C. E Jackson, M. D Robson, C. Antoniades, J. M Francis, F. Wiesmann, K. M Channon, S. Neubauer, and R. P Choudhury
Multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging quantifies atherosclerosis and vascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research, March 1, 2007; 4(1): 44 - 48.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
I. Zineh, A. L. Beitelshees, and M. J. Haller
NOS3 Polymorphisms Are Associated With Arterial Stiffness in Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, March 1, 2007; 30(3): 689 - 693.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
A. E. Donald, M. Charakida, T. J. Cole, P. Friberg, P. J. Chowienczyk, S. C. Millasseau, J. E. Deanfield, and J. P. Halcox
Non-Invasive Assessment of Endothelial Function: Which Technique?
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 7, 2006; 48(9): 1846 - 1850.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
S. Laurent, J. Cockcroft, L. Van Bortel, P. Boutouyrie, C. Giannattasio, D. Hayoz, B. Pannier, C. Vlachopoulos, I. Wilkinson, H. Struijker-Boudier, et al.
Expert consensus document on arterial stiffness: methodological issues and clinical applications
Eur. Heart J., November 1, 2006; 27(21): 2588 - 2605.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
W. J. Stok, B. E. Westerhof, and J. M. Karemaker
Changes in finger-aorta pressure transfer function during and after exercise
J Appl Physiol, October 1, 2006; 101(4): 1207 - 1214.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
B. E. Westerhof, I. Guelen, N. Westerhof, J. M. Karemaker, and A. Avolio
Quantification of Wave Reflection in the Human Aorta From Pressure Alone: A Proof of Principle
Hypertension, October 1, 2006; 48(4): 595 - 601.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
G. Schillaci, M. Pirro, M. R. Mannarino, G. Pucci, G. Savarese, S. S. Franklin, and E. Mannarino
Relation Between Renal Function Within the Normal Range and Central and Peripheral Arterial Stiffness in Hypertension
Hypertension, October 1, 2006; 48(4): 616 - 621.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
W. W. Nichols, J. C. Estrada, R. W. Braith, K. Owens, and C. R. Conti
Enhanced External Counterpulsation Treatment Improves Arterial Wall Properties and Wave Reflection Characteristics in Patients With Refractory Angina
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 19, 2006; 48(6): 1208 - 1214.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Mayo Clin Proc.Home page
M. F. O'Rourke and J. B. Seward
Central Arterial Pressure and Arterial Pressure Pulse: New Views Entering the Second Century After Korotkov
Mayo Clin. Proc., August 1, 2006; 81(8): 1057 - 1068.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Am. Coll. Nutr.Home page
C. Vlachopoulos, N. Alexopoulos, I. Dima, K. Aznaouridis, I. Andreadou, and C. Stefanadis
Acute Effect of Black and Green Tea on Aortic Stiffness and Wave Reflections
J. Am. Coll. Nutr., June 1, 2006; 25(3): 216 - 223.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
P. J. D. Owen, C. Rajiv, D. Vinereanu, T. Mathew, A. G. Fraser, and J. H. Lazarus
Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Arterial Stiffness, and Myocardial Reserve
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2006; 91(6): 2126 - 2132.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. E. Sharman, R. Lim, A. M. Qasem, J. S. Coombes, M. I. Burgess, J. Franco, P. Garrahy, I. B. Wilkinson, and T. H. Marwick
Validation of a Generalized Transfer Function to Noninvasively Derive Central Blood Pressure During Exercise
Hypertension, June 1, 2006; 47(6): 1203 - 1208.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
D. G. Edwards, A. L. Gauthier, M. A. Hayman, J. T. Lang, and R. W. Kenefick
Acute effects of cold exposure on central aortic wave reflection
J Appl Physiol, April 1, 2006; 100(4): 1210 - 1214.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
The CAFE Investigators, for the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial, CAFE Steering Committee and Writing Committee, B. Williams, P. S. Lacy, S. M. Thom, K. Cruickshank, A. Stanton, D. Collier, A. D. Hughes, et al.
Differential Impact of Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs on Central Aortic Pressure and Clinical Outcomes: Principal Results of the Conduit Artery Function Evaluation (CAFE) Study
Circulation, March 7, 2006; 113(9): 1213 - 1225.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
N. Eldrup, H. Sillesen, E. Prescott, and B. G. Nordestgaard
Ankle brachial index, C-reactive protein, and central augmentation index to identify individuals with severe atherosclerosis
Eur. Heart J., February 1, 2006; 27(3): 316 - 322.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
JAMAHome page
S. P. Schulman, L. C. Becker, D. A. Kass, H. C. Champion, M. L. Terrin, S. Forman, K. V. Ernst, M. D. Kelemen, S. N. Townsend, A. Capriotti, et al.
L-Arginine Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Vascular Interaction With Age in Myocardial Infarction (VINTAGE MI) Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA, January 4, 2006; 295(1): 58 - 64.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
B A Haluska, K Matthys, R Fathi, E Rozis, S G Carlier, and T H Marwick
Influence of arterial compliance on presence and extent of ischaemia during stress echocardiography
Heart, January 1, 2006; 92(1): 40 - 43.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
P M Mottram, B A Haluska, R Leano, S Carlier, C Case, and T H Marwick
Relation of arterial stiffness to diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive heart disease
Heart, December 1, 2005; 91(12): 1551 - 1556.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. A. Hope, D. B. Tay, I. T. Meredith, and J. D. Cameron
Waveform dispersion, not reflection, may be the major determinant of aortic pressure wave morphology
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, December 1, 2005; 289(6): H2497 - H2502.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
G. Schillaci, G. V.L. De Socio, M. Pirro, G. Savarese, M. R. Mannarino, F. Baldelli, G. Stagni, and E. Mannarino
Impact of Treatment With Protease Inhibitors on Aortic Stiffness in Adult Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., November 1, 2005; 25(11): 2381 - 2385.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
C. Vlachopoulos, I. Dima, K. Aznaouridis, C. Vasiliadou, N. Ioakeimidis, C. Aggeli, M. Toutouza, and C. Stefanadis
Acute Systemic Inflammation Increases Arterial Stiffness and Decreases Wave Reflections in Healthy Individuals
Circulation, October 4, 2005; 112(14): 2193 - 2200.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
F. Verbeke, P. Segers, S. Heireman, R. Vanholder, P. Verdonck, and L. M. Van Bortel
Noninvasive Assessment of Local Pulse Pressure: Importance of Brachial-to-Radial Pressure Amplification
Hypertension, July 1, 2005; 46(1): 244 - 248.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
J. Ruiz, D. Monbaron, G. Parati, S. Perret, E. Haesler, C. Danzeisen, and D. Hayoz
Diabetic Neuropathy Is a More Important Determinant of Baroreflex Sensitivity Than Carotid Elasticity in Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension, July 1, 2005; 46(1): 162 - 167.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
C. Vlachopoulos, D. Panagiotakos, N. Ioakeimidis, I. Dima, and C. Stefanadis
Chronic coffee consumption has a detrimental effect on aortic stiffness and wave reflections
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, June 1, 2005; 81(6): 1307 - 1312.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
R. S. Reneman, J. M. Meinders, and A. P.G. Hoeks
Non-invasive ultrasound in arterial wall dynamics in humans: what have we learned and what remains to be solved
Eur. Heart J., May 2, 2005; 26(10): 960 - 966.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
M. F. O'Rourke and W. W. Nichols
Aortic Diameter, Aortic Stiffness, and Wave Reflection Increase With Age and Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Hypertension, April 1, 2005; 45(4): 652 - 658.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
M. J. Haller, M. Samyn, W. W. Nichols, T. Brusko, C. Wasserfall, R. F. Schwartz, M. Atkinson, J. J. Shuster, G. L. Pierce, and J. H. Silverstein
Radial Artery Tonometry Demonstrates Arterial Stiffness in Children With Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, December 1, 2004; 27(12): 2911 - 2917.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
D. Lemogoum, L. Van Bortel, B. Najem, A. Dzudie, C. Teutcha, E. Madu, M. Leeman, J.-P. Degaute, and P. van de Borne
Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflections in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Hypertension, December 1, 2004; 44(6): 924 - 929.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
C. Vlachopoulos, F. Kosmopoulou, D. Panagiotakos, N. Ioakeimidis, N. Alexopoulos, C. Pitsavos, and C. Stefanadis
Smoking and caffeine have a synergistic detrimental effect on aortic stiffness and wave reflections
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 2, 2004; 44(9): 1911 - 1917.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol.Home page
S. Mustata, C. Chan, V. Lai, and J. A. Miller
Impact of an Exercise Program on Arterial Stiffness and Insulin Resistance in Hemodialysis Patients
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., October 1, 2004; 15(10): 2713 - 2718.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
A. P. Avolio, J. R. Cockcroft, and M. F. O'Rourke
Use of Arterial Transfer Functions for the Derivation of Central Aortic Waveform Characteristics in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: Response to Hope et al.
Diabetes Care, October 1, 2004; 27(10): 2564 - 2565.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
B. A. Mullan, C. N. Ennis, H. J. P. Fee, I. S. Young, and D. R. McCance
Protective effects of ascorbic acid on arterial hemodynamics during acute hyperglycemia
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2004; 287(3): H1262 - H1268.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
P. M. Mottram, B. Haluska, R. Leano, D. Cowley, M. Stowasser, and T. H. Marwick
Effect of Aldosterone Antagonism on Myocardial Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients With Diastolic Heart Failure
Circulation, August 3, 2004; 110(5): 558 - 565.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Br J AnaesthHome page
A. L. Pauca, N. D. Kon, and M. F. O'Rourke
The second peak of the radial artery pressure wave represents aortic systolic pressure in hypertensive and elderly patients
Br. J. Anaesth., May 1, 2004; 92(5): 651 - 657.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
StrokeHome page
H.-Y. Hsu, Y.-T. Chen, H.-H. Hu, R. Aaslid, and D. W. Newell
Limitations in Estimating Critical Closing Pressure by Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurements * Response: Limitations in Estimating Critical Closing Pressure by Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurements
Stroke, May 1, 2004; 35(5): e91 - e92.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
I. Ikonomidis, J. Lekakis, K. Stamatelopoulos, N. Markomihelakis, P. G. Kaklamanis, and M. Mavrikakis
Aortic elastic properties and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with Adamantiades-Behcet's disease
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 17, 2004; 43(6): 1075 - 1081.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
S. A. Hope, D. B. Tay, I. T. Meredith, and J. D. Cameron
Use of Arterial Transfer Functions for the Derivation of Central Aortic Waveform Characteristics in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes Care, March 1, 2004; 27(3): 746 - 751.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
G J Nollen, B E Westerhof, M Groenink, A Osnabrugge, E E van der Wall, and B J M Mulder
Aortic pressure-area relation in Marfan patients with and without {beta} blocking agents: a new non-invasive approach
Heart, March 1, 2004; 90(3): 314 - 318.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
T. Weber, J. Auer, M. F. O'Rourke, E. Kvas, E. Lassnig, R. Berent, and B. Eber
Arterial Stiffness, Wave Reflections, and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Circulation, January 20, 2004; 109(2): 184 - 189.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Vasc MedHome page
C. Vlachopoulos, K. Hirata, and M. F O'Rourke
Effect of sildenafil on arterial stiffness and wave reflection
Vascular Medicine, November 1, 2003; 8(4): 243 - 248.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
M. F. O'Rourke, A. Avolio, A. Qasem, S. C. Millasseau, J. M. Ritter, and P. J. Chowienczyk
Clinical Assessment of Wave Reflection * Response: Augmentation Index and the Radial-to-Aortic Transfer Function
Hypertension, November 1, 2003; 42 (5): e15 - e16.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
S. A. Hope, I. T. Meredith, J. D. Cameron, S. C. Millasseau, J. M. Ritter, and P. J. Chowienczyk
Is There Any Advantage to Using an Arterial Transfer Function? * Response: Aortic Augmentation Index and Radial-to-Aortic Transfer Function
Hypertension, September 1, 2003; e7(3): .
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
H. Smulyan, D. S. Siddiqui, R. J. Carlson, G. M. London, and M. E. Safar
Clinical Utility of Aortic Pulses and Pressures Calculated From Applanated Radial-Artery Pulses
Hypertension, August 1, 2003; 42(2): 150 - 155.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Ann Rheum DisHome page
R Klocke, J R Cockcroft, G J Taylor, I R Hall, and D R Blake
Arterial stiffness and central blood pressure, as determined by pulse wave analysis, in rheumatoid arthritis
Ann Rheum Dis, May 1, 2003; 62(5): 414 - 418.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
G. E. McVeigh
Pulse Waveform Analysis and Arterial Wall Properties
Hypertension, May 1, 2003; 41(5): 1010 - 1011.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
S. C. Millasseau, S. J. Patel, S. R. Redwood, J. M. Ritter, and P. J. Chowienczyk
Pressure Wave Reflection Assessed From the Peripheral Pulse: Is a Transfer Function Necessary?
Hypertension, May 1, 2003; 41(5): 1016 - 1020.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
R. M.A. Henry, P. J. Kostense, A. M.W. Spijkerman, J. M. Dekker, G. Nijpels, R. J. Heine, O. Kamp, N. Westerhof, L. M. Bouter, and C. D.A. Stehouwer
Arterial Stiffness Increases With Deteriorating Glucose Tolerance Status: The Hoorn Study
Circulation, April 29, 2003; 107(16): 2089 - 2095.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. PsychiatryHome page
C L Turner, N Mendoza, R D Illingworth, and P J Kirkpatrick
Measurement of pulse pressure profiles in patients with trigeminal neuralgia
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, April 1, 2003; 74(4): 533 - 535.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
J. J. Oliver and D. J. Webb
Noninvasive Assessment of Arterial Stiffness and Risk of Atherosclerotic Events
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., April 1, 2003; 23(4): 554 - 566.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
E. Lurbe, M. I. Torro, E. Carvajal, V. Alvarez, and J. Redon
Birth Weight Impacts on Wave Reflections in Children and Adolescents
Hypertension, March 1, 2003; 41(3): 646 - 650.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
M. Tamminen, J. Westerbacka, S. Vehkavaara, and H. Yki-Jarvinen
Insulin-Induced Decreases in Aortic Wave Reflection and Central Systolic Pressure Are Impaired in Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, December 1, 2002; 25(12): 2314 - 2319.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Intern MedHome page
G. V. R. K. Sharma, P. A. Woods, C. T. Lambrew, C. M. Berg, D. A. Pietro, T. P. Rocco, F. W. Welt, P. Sacchetti, and K. M. McIntyre
Evaluation of a Noninvasive System for Determining Left Ventricular Filling Pressure
Arch Intern Med, October 14, 2002; 162(18): 2084 - 2088.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Nephrol Dial TransplantHome page
G. M. London, S. J. Marchais, A. P. Guerin, F. Metivier, and H. Adda
Arterial structure and function in end-stage renal disease
Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., October 1, 2002; 17(10): 1713 - 1724.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
K. E. North, J. W. MacCluer, R. B. Devereux, B. V. Howard, T. K. Welty, L. G. Best, E. T. Lee, R. R. Fabsitz, and M. J. Roman
Heritability of Carotid Artery Structure and Function: The Strong Heart Family Study
Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol., October 1, 2002; 22(10): 1698 - 1703.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
L. A. Simmons, A. G. Gillin, and R. W. Jeremy
Structural and functional changes in left ventricle during normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancy
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 2002; 283(4): H1627 - H1633.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
J. R. Cockcroft and I. B. Wilkinson
reliability of transfer function in determining central pulse pressure and augmentation index: Reply
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 18, 2002; 40(6): 1196 - 1197.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
S. A. Hope, I. T. Meredith, and J. D. Cameron
Reliability of transfer functions in determining central pulse pressure and augmentation index
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 18, 2002; 40(6): 1196 - 1196.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. A. Hope, D. B. Tay, I. T. Meredith, and J. D. Cameron
Comparison of generalized and gender-specific transfer functions for the derivation of aortic waveforms
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2002; 283(3): H1150 - H1156.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
C. S. Hayward, M. Kraidly, C. M. Webb, and P. Collins
Assessment of endothelial function using peripheral waveform analysis: A clinical application
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., August 7, 2002; 40(3): 521 - 528.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
X J Jiang, M F O'Rourke, W Q L Jin, L S Liu, C W Li, P C Tai, X C Zhang, and S Z Liu
Quantification of glyceryl trinitrate effect through analysis of the synthesised ascending aortic pressure waveform
Heart, August 1, 2002; 88(2): 143 - 148.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Br J AnaesthHome page
S. Soderstrom, G. Nyberg, M. F. O'Rourke, J. Sellgren, and J. Ponten
Can a clinically useful aortic pressure wave be derived from a radial pressure wave?{dagger}
Br. J. Anaesth., April 1, 2002; 88(4): 481 - 488.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
M. E. Safar, J. Blacher, B. Pannier, A. P. Guerin, S. J. Marchais, P.-M. Guyonvarc'h, and G. M. London
Central Pulse Pressure and Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease
Hypertension, March 1, 2002; 39(3): 735 - 738.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
J. S. Romney and R. Z. Lewanczuk
Vascular Compliance Is Reduced in the Early Stages of Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, December 1, 2001; 24(12): 2102 - 2106.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
C. Vlachopoulos, K. Hirata, and M. F. O'Rourke
Pressure-Altering Agents Affect Central Aortic Pressures More Than Is Apparent From Upper Limb Measurements in Hypertensive Patients: The Role of Arterial Wave Reflections
Hypertension, December 1, 2001; 38(6): 1456 - 1460.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
I. B. Wilkinson, S. S. Franklin, I. R. Hall, S. Tyrrell, and J. R. Cockcroft
Pressure Amplification Explains Why Pulse Pressure Is Unrelated to Risk in Young Subjects
Hypertension, December 1, 2001; 38(6): 1461 - 1466.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Chen, C.-H.
Right arrow Articles by Kass, D. A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Chen, C.-H.
Right arrow Articles by Kass, D. A.
Right arrowPubmed/NCBI databases
*Compound via MeSH
*Substance via MeSH
Hazardous Substances DB
*NITROGLYCERIN