Measurement of pulse-wave velocity using a beat-sampling technique.

The relationship between pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure was investigated using a new method in which multiple pulse-wave velocities were determined within each blood-pressure pulse. The technique employed measuring pressure at two sites within the aorta and measuring multiple time differences between each pair of pressure waves. Blood pressure was manipulated with drugs. The technique of obtaining multiple PWVs within a beat dramatically reduced the variability of the data in the linear and nonlinear region of PWV versus pressure relationship.