English

Abstract

The hemodynamic parameters extracted from pulse pressure waveform, by pulse wave analysis (PWA) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are strong independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the reproducibility of pulse pressure profile and arterial stiffness indicators, i.e., Augmentation Index (AIx), Subendocardial Viability Ratio (SEVR), maximum rate of pressure change (dP/dtmax), Ejection Time Index (ETI), as measured using a contactless optical system. Reproducibility was evaluated in 13 healthy subjects by two senior operators (‘A’ and ‘B’) that acquired signals in alternate order (ABAB or BABA). The PWV result showed a good inter and intra-operator reproducibility. The mean difference between the two operators is 0.1570 m/s with a SD of 0.8160 m/s, this difference represents approximately 3.49% of the arithmetic average of the means obtained by each operator per trial. Between trials, differences of less than 8% of the mean PWV value for each operator were obtained. PWA repeatability results are considered high for HR, strong for Aix and moderate for dP/dtmax. The newly developed optical system showed good reproducibility as evaluated by both inter-operator and intra-operator methods.