Central blood pressure: Non-invasive methods and technology for its estimation

Hypertension is a major risk factor for most cardiovascular diseases. Typically, it is identified by measuring blood pres- sure (BP) at the brachial artery, usually by cuff-sphygmomanometry. Although such a measurement may accurately determine brachial BP, it does not reflect central systolic BP or pulse pressure. This is mainly because the BP wave- form is distorted as it travels outwards from the heart, due to the presence of wave reflections from the peripheral arteries and the spatial variation of geometrical and mechanical arterial properties. Due to this distortion, brachial BP provides an inaccurate measure of central aortic systolic pressure and pulse pressure. Central systolic BP is an essential factor in determining the cardiac function and work, while central diastolic BP may determine coronary flow to a greater degree than peripheral systolic and diastolic BP respectively. Accordingly, central (i.e. aortic or carotid) pressures are pathophysiologically more relevant than peripheral pressures and their accurate estimation by non- invasive techniques is clinically necessary, but challenging. This review presents the technology and the currently available methods that are used for the estimation of central BP, and discusses issues related to the methodological procedures, reproducibility, validity and limitations. Recent data supporting the independent clinical and prognostic value of central pressures are briefly discussed. © Athens Medical Society.

Duke Scholars

Author Dimitrios Moris