Difficulties in the measurement of pulse-wave velocity

Abstract

The methods employed in the measuring of pulse-wave velocity are subject to gross error because of alinearity and frequency distortion resulting from low-resonance frequencies of instrumentation and arterial segment and extraneous tissue interference. Deformation also occurs because of different speeds of propagation of the various pulse harmonics.

Some examples are presented showing the effect of meals on the pulse-wave velocity. Respiration also has a great influence.