HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 289/6/H2497    most recent 00411.2005v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Web of Science (5) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hope, S. A. Articles by Cameron, J. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hope, S. A. Articles by Cameron, J. D.

Waveform dispersion, not reflection, may be the major determinant of aortic pressure wave morphology

¹Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash Medical Centre, ²Monash University, and ³La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Submitted 25 April 2005 ; accepted in final form 13 July 2005

The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of aortic pressure waveform morphology in the thoracoabdominal aorta with specific reference to features of potential prognostic value for cardiovascular disease. In particular, we aimed to determine the location of major pressure wave reflection sites within the aorta. Aortic pressure waveforms were acquired with 2-Fr Millar Mikro-tip catheter transducers in 40 subjects (26 men, 14 women), and repeated in 10 subjects, at five predetermined points within the aorta: aortic root, transverse arch, and at the levels of the diaphragm, renal arteries, and aortic bifurcation. Waveforms were analyzed for augmentation index (AI), time to inflection point (T_i), and pressure parameters. AI decreased progressively between the aortic root and bifurcation (P < 0.001), and T_i increased (P < 0.01). There was the expected progressive peripheral amplification of systolic and pulse pressures and fall in time to peak pressure (all P < 0.001). There was no difference on repeat pullback or between sexes. These data are at variance with the concept that central AI results solely from pressure wave reflection, when T_i would be expected to decrease and AI increase with distal progression. Pressure wave propagation phenomena may contribute, and the potential role of frequency dispersion merits investigation.

augmentation index; pressure wave reflection; Fourier analysis; aorta

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. D. Cameron Wave Intensity Analysis and Central Blood Pressure Hypertension, November 1, 2009; 54(5): 958 - 959. [Full Text] [PDF]