Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Differences in dynamic characteristics of the peripheral arteries in normal and hypertensive subjects
O Fustinoni1, B Levy, A Bardou
1Laboratoire de Physiologie Appliquée a la Réanimation Cardiaque, INSERM, Paris.
Abstract:
Spontaneous variations of arterial cross section were recorded with impedance rheography (2 MHz) in 20 non-hypertensive subjects and in 23 patients with essential hypertension. The following parameters were measured in both groups: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), cardiac period (Tc), intrinsic arteria period (Ta) and the ratio of Tc/Ta. Ta and Tc/Ta were significantly different in both groups (p < 0.01). The best discriminant variable was Tc/Ta. When used alone, it yielded an 88 % success in discriminating the subjects of each group. Frequency Fourier analysis showed significant differences between tha harmonic spectra of the two groups. These differences may be due to hypertension itself or to associated hypertension and pathologic disorders of the arterial wall. Their cause and effect relationship with arterial hypertension is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
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.
Arteries and Arterioles
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

