Parameters describing the pulse wave

Abstract

Pulse wave analysis permits non-invasive assessment of arterial elasticity indices. The contour varies in different parts of the circulation. It depends on physiological or pathophysiological conditions of the organism. The pathological events like arteriosclerosis or diabetes have a primary effect to the artery elasticity. Hypertension or some heart diseases also influence the pulse wave velocity and resulted in earlier wave reflections. There are several methods of pulse wave measurements based on different principles and depending on the type of measured pulse wave. The evaluation parameters can be assessed from the time domain, derivations, velocity or frequency domain. The main aim of this review article is to offer a recent overview of pulse wave measurement parameters and main results obtained. The principles of pulse wave measurement and current experience in clinical practice are shortly discussed too.