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Sensitivity of the Finometer device in detecting acute and medium-term changes in cardiovascular function
Aletta E Schutte1, Hugo W Huisman, Johannes M Van Rooyen
1School for Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir CHO, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa. flgaes@puk.ac.za
Blood Pressure Monitoring
|November 19, 2003
Summary
The Finometer device can detect short-term cardiovascular changes from caffeine and long-term changes from vitamin supplementation. Further research is needed to confirm its sensitivity for cardiovascular function monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biomedical Instrumentation
Background:
- The Finometer is an advanced non-invasive device for measuring finger arterial blood pressure and deriving cardiovascular parameters.
- Its clinical utility hinges on its sensitivity to detect subtle cardiovascular alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the sensitivity of the Finometer in detecting acute cardiovascular changes.
- To evaluate the Finometer's ability to detect longer-term cardiovascular modifications.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 38 young males examined the acute effects of 200 mg caffeine on Finometer readings.
- A 12-week double-blind study with 14 males on placebo and 17 on vitamin C, E, and folic acid assessed longer-term effects.
Main Results:
- Caffeine ingestion significantly increased systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure, and decreased arterial compliance.
- The vitamin group showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after 12 weeks, unlike the placebo group.
Conclusions:
- The Finometer demonstrates potential sensitivity for recording minor acute and longer-term cardiovascular changes.
- Additional studies are required to solidify these findings and establish definitive conclusions.