Pulse signal may be a key bridge connecting cardiology and pulse diagnosis of TCM

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study extracts atherosclerosis indices from six channels of Cunkou and discusses the data distribution, aims to explore the connection between cardiology of modern medicine (MM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis. MethodsWe use a device capable of simultaneously collecting the pulse signals of the Cun, Guan and Chi to test the population participating in routine physical examinations. Firstly, we collected pressure pulse waves from six channels of Cunkou of 1045 healthy subjects (578 men and 467 women, average age=37.99±16.02 years). Secondly, we extracted the two most common arteriosclerosis indices pulse transit time (PTT) and Augmentation index (AIx) from six-channel pulse waves. Lastly, T-test and correlation test were taken to analyze the differences and relevance of the atherosclerosis indices extracted from six channels of Cunkou. ResultsWhen analyzing AIx and PTT at different wrist, it was found that AIx of left wrist is significantly higher than that of right wrist (P<0.001), while the PTT of left wrist is significantly lower than that of right wrist (P<0.001), a phenomenon that is common in both men and women. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is left or right wrist, the AIx at Chi channel is higher than that at Cun (P<0.05) and Guan (P<0.05). At the same time, the PTT at Guan is bigger than that at Cun in two wrists (P<0.05). However, when the specific channel is not considered, there is no significant difference in AIx and PTT between each channel and the corresponding wrist (P>0.05). In addition, regardless of gender, when the specific channel is not considered, AIx and PTT of each wrist are significantly correlated with age (P<0.001). ConclusionsThe differences of the atherosclerosis indices AIx and PTT in six channels support that the method of six-channel pulse diagnosis is indispensable in TCM. Additionally, the pulse waves obtained from each channel can be utilized as a dependable foundation for diagnosing atherosclerotic conditions. This study is beneficial for promoting the integration of TCM and MM in diagnosing disease.