Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
09:31

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

Published on: January 27, 2023

Aortic pressure wave reflection in children

Tomoaki Murakami1, Atsuhito Takeda, Kohta Takei

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan. murat@seagreen.ocn.ne.jp

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|January 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Aortic pressure wave reflection, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, changes with age in children. This study found body height significantly influences aortic pressure wave reflection in children under 15.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Aortic pressure wave reflection is a known cardiovascular disease risk factor in adults, increasing with age.
  • Enhanced pressure wave reflection has been observed in pediatric populations, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the patterns of aortic pressure wave reflection throughout childhood.
  • To establish reference values for the augmentation index in children.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-two pediatric patients with normal aortic circulation were enrolled.
  • Aortic pressure waveforms were measured using a catheter with a pressure sensor.
  • The augmentation index was calculated from the recorded waveforms.

Main Results:

  • The augmentation index generally decreased with age until approximately 15 years, then began to increase.
  • In children under 15, a significant negative correlation was found between body height and the augmentation index.
  • Body height emerged as a key factor influencing aortic pressure wave reflection in children.

Conclusions:

  • Aortic pressure wave reflection exhibits distinct age-related changes during childhood.
  • Body height is a significant determinant of aortic pressure wave reflection in developing children.
  • Understanding these pediatric-specific patterns is crucial for cardiovascular health assessment.

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement of Blood Pressure

Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Reflection of Waves01:07

Reflection of Waves

When a wave travels from one medium to another, it gets reflected at the boundary of the second medium. A common example of this is when a person yells at a distance from a cliff and hears the echo of their voice. The sound waves (longitudinal waves) traveling in the air are reflected from the bounding cliff. Similarly, flipping one end of a string whose other end is tied to a wall causes a pulse (transverse wave) to travel through the string, which gets reflected upon reaching the wall. In...