title: Pulse wave numerical analysis.
abstract: The general deterioration of the arterial system is well recognized but not easily measured. Leg pulse waves, generated by the electric impedance plethysmograph, would seem to be a promising method. This study is a mathematical analysis of these pulse waves from the legs. The data were taken from a previous study by the same authors. That study analyzed the pulse waves using a frequency analysis (Fourier) and a lumped component model of the circulatory system. Blood pressure became clinically very meaningful when a number could be assigned to it. This study is being done to determine if a numerical value could be assigned to different types of pulse waves. If this can be done it would furnish a new tool for analyzing the peripheral circulation and peripheral atherosclerosis. This would offer another method for analyzing therapeutic endeavors that affect the circulatory system. These pulse waves were from a rather homogeneous group of generally healthy white males. The subjects were arranged according to age: ages 5-11, ages 19-24, 36-45, ages 55-62, and ages 74-91. This present analysis involves an advanced mathematical analysis done by a computer. The first graph (4a)--sine amplitude vs age--showed a sloping line which intersects the abscissa at about age 100. The second graph (4b)--notch (of the downstroke of the pulse wave) vs age--showed a sloping line intersecting the age line at about age 100. Thus, these calculations suggest that the untreated circulatory system is programmed to have a functional death at about age 100. The two methods used, one involving mathematical calculations and one involving graphic measurements, showed that a number can be put on the pulse wave. The higher the number, theoretically the better the circulation. Then if a treatment scheme can substantially raise the patient's pulse wave number, it might be expected to increase the longevity of their circulatory system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, 75225, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Puls
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Heizer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D010992:Plethysmography, Impedance / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011674:Pulse / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values