Pulse wave numerical analysis

The general deterioration of the arterial system is well recognized but not easily measured. Leg pulse waves, generated by the electric impedance plethysmograph, would seem to be a promising method. This study is a mathematical analysis of these pulse waves from the legs. The data were taken from a previous study by the same authors. That study analyzed the pulse waves using a frequency analysis (Fourier) and a lumped component model of the circulatory system. Blood pressure became clinically very meaningful when a number could be assigned to it. This study is being done to determine if a numerical value could be assigned to different types of pulse waves. If this can be done it would furnish a new tool for analyzing the peripheral circulation and peripheral atherosclerosis. This would offer another method for analyzing therapeutic endeavors that affect the circulatory system. These pulse waves were from a rather homogeneous group of generally healthy white males. The subjects were arranged according to age: ages 5-11, ages 19-24, 36-45, ages 55-62, and ages 74-91. This present analysis involves an advanced mathematical analysis done by a computer. The first graph (4a)--sine amplitude vs age--showed a sloping line which intersects the abscissa at about age 100. The second graph (4b)--notch (of the downstroke of the pulse wave) vs age--showed a sloping line intersecting the age line at about age 100. Thus, these calculations suggest that the untreated circulatory system is programmed to have a functional death at about age 100. The two methods used, one involving mathematical calculations and one involving graphic measurements, showed that a number can be put on the pulse wave. The higher the number, theoretically the better the circulation. Then if a treatment scheme can substantially raise the patient's pulse wave number, it might be expected to increase the longevity of their circulatory system.