[Pulse wave analysis: from the basic sciences to clinical applications].

Abstract

Assessment of the pulse character is one of the earliest recorded medical skills, but objective recordings of pulse waveform emerged only in the nineteenth century. This technique fell into disuse with the advent of the sphygmomanometer, but interest has recently been rekindled with the introduction of computer technology and high fidelity applanation tonometry. Sphygmocardiography is a non-invasive and accurate technology which utilizes tonometric analysis of the radial or carotid artery pulse wave and measurement of peripheral arterial blood pressure to derive a central arterial pulse wave, central arterial blood pressure and related indices. In clinical studies pulse wave analysis is a highly reproducible method and easy to apply. This measure provides important information about arterial stiffness and heart-vascular interactions. This technique may provides better cardiovascular risk assessment associated with increased arterial stiffness and allow treatment to be targeted to those most in need.