Arterial pressure contour analysis for estimating human vascular properties.

The form of an arterial blood pressure curve during the diastolic portion of the cardiac cycle was here employed to identify parameters in a third-order model of the vascular system. Calculated elastic and intertial characteristics of this fitted model then became clinically accessible indices of corresponding real vascular properties. This technique incurred no risk and little discomfort for the patient. Tested in theory, in animal experimentation, and in human observations, our procedure utilized a Gauss-Newton algorithm via digital computer to provide rapid model solutions from different starting values, from multiple measurements sites, and from normal or diseased patients. Model parameters thus determined defined ranges of normal variation and suggested a less compliant arterial bed in hypertensive than in normotensive patients.