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(Hypertension. 2008;52:e26.)
© 2008 American Heart Association, Inc.

Letters to the Editor

Response to Impact of Radial Artery Pressure Waveform Calibration on Estimated Central Pressure Using a Transfer Function Approach

Carmel M. McEniery

Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom

John R. Cockcroft

Department of Cardiology, Cardiff University, University Hospital, Cardiff, United Kingdom

Ian B. Wilkinson

Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom

We thank Segers et al¹ for their interest in our recent study illustrating the importance of central-to-peripheral amplification of systolic blood pressure. Their concern regarding our data centers on the calibration of radial artery waves and the theoretical impact that this will have on amplification of pressure between the aorta and the brachial artery. Amplification expressed as a ratio between central and peripheral pulse pressure is a fiducial parameter. As such, the use of a generalized transfer function does not, in itself, affect this relationship, which is independent of calibration, relying instead on the shape of the waveform and Fourier analysis of its component harmonics. Moreover, Segers et al¹ do not question the validity of the generalized transfer function used by the SphygmoCor system, and previous invasive studies would support its accuracy. Nevertheless, we accept that the absolute values of central systolic pressure will depend on the method used to calibrate radial artery pressure waves.

In our study,² we assumed equivalent brachial and radial systolic pressures for the purpose of calibration, as is common practice. However, Segers et al¹ suggest that pressure amplification continues in the arm leading to differences in brachial and radial systolic pressure, which may be as high as 7 mm Hg. However, this figure is based on noninvasive data collected in a cohort of individuals from the Asklepios Study³ with a relatively narrow age range (35 to 55 years), which is likely to amplify any variability. Unfortunately, only very limited invasive data concerning brachial-radial amplification are available^4,5 and suggest that the brachial-radial pulse pressure difference is 5 to 6 mm Hg in young people (average age: 32 years). The alternative waveform calibration methods proposed by Segers et al¹ each have their own limitations. In particular, all of the methods assume that mean and diastolic pressure remain constant in the arm. Moreover, methods 2 and 3 rely on a mathematical estimation of mean pressure rather than direct measurement. Method 4 will multiply the error associated with noninvasive recording of pressure waves and may introduce further errors resulting from fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate during the calibration period. Although Segers et al¹ have highlighted an important methodologic issue, it is vital that we understand the full impact of age, gender, and other physiological variables, such as mean arterial pressure, on the degree of pressure amplification in the arm using invasive methodologies. These data may then allow a standard method of waveform calibration to be developed.

	Acknowledgments

 
Sources of Funding

C.M.M. is supported by a British Heart Foundation Intermediate Research Fellowship and I.B.W. is supported by a British Heart Foundation Senior Clinical Fellowship.

Disclosures

None.

	References

Top References

 

1. Segers P, Mahieu D, Rietzschel ER, De Buyzere ML, Van Bortel LM. Impact of radial artery pressure waveform calibration on estimated central pressure using a transfer function approach. Hypertension. 2008; 52: e24–e25.[Free Full Text]
2. McEniery CM, Yasmin, McDonnell B, Munnery M, Wallace SM, Rowe CV, Cockcroft JR, Wilkinson IB. Central pressure: variability and impact of cardiovascular risk factors: the Anglo-Cardiff Collaborative Trial II. Hypertension. 2008; 51: 1476–1482.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
3. Rietzschel ER, De Buyzere ML, Bekaert S, Segers P, De Bacquer D, Cooman L, Van Damme P, Cassiman P, Langlois M, van Oostveldt P, Verdonck P, De Backer G, Gillebert TC. Rationale, design, methods and baseline characteristics of the Asklepios Study. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2007; 14: 179–191.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
4. Kroeker EJ, Wood EH. Beat-to-beat alterations in relationship of simultaneously recorded central and peripheral arterial pressure pulses during Valsalva maneuver and prolonged expiration in man. J Appl Physiol. 1956; 8: 483–494.[Free Full Text]
5. Kroeker EJ, Wood EH. Comparison of simultaneously recorded central and peripheral arterial pressure pulses during rest, exercise and tilted position in man. Circ Res. 1955; 3: 623–632.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

This Article Extract Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 52/3/e26    most recent HYPERTENSIONAHA.108.118646v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Google Scholar Articles by McEniery, C. M. Articles by Wilkinson, I. B. PubMed Articles by McEniery, C. M. Articles by Wilkinson, I. B. Related Collections Epidemiology