Resistance reconstructed estimation of total peripheral resistance from computationally derived cardiac output -...

Efficient functioning of the peripheral vasculature is an essential component in healthy cardiovascular regulation. Alterations in this functioning have been linked to the etiology and pathophysiological course of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially hypertension. Given its significant role in the maintenance of both healthy and pathological blood pressure, total peripheral resistance (TPR), an index of the vasoconstrictive and elastic properties of the peripheral vasculature, has received much attention in this regard. However, obtaining a reliable estimate of TPR remains a complex and costly endeavor, primarily due to the necessity for sophisticated instrumentation as well as associated limitations in deriving cardiac output (CO). We have previously described a simple estimation method for CO using only arterial blood pressure and heart rate (Hill et al, 2012). In the present study we extend this technique to the estimation of TPR using beat-to-beat blood pressure data from the same sample of 67 young (mean age = 20.04± 2.8), healthy men (n = 30) and women (n = 37). Estimated TPR (TPRest) was calculated from the computationally-derived estimate of CO and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Correlation between TPR obtained via the validated Model-Flow technique and TPRest was moderate (r =.73, p <. 000) and stronger in men (r =.78, p <. 000) compared to women (r =.66, p <. 001). These data further suggest that reconstructed measures of hemodynamic functioning may be validly and adequately estimated from limited data sources.