Publications

Introduction and Aims:
Assessing arterial stiffness and central haemodynamics has been limited to specialised settings and personnel. A more practical method [Mobil-0-Graph] allowing assessment from a blood pressure [BP] cuff at the brachial artery has recently been introduced. We assessed values of central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness from the Mobil-0-Graph for compatibility with data from gold-standard techniques.
Method:
Peripheral and central systolic and diastolic BP [pSBP/pDBP and cSBP/cDB] and arterial stiffness parameters (augmentation index [Alx, %] and pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were obtained in a general population of 1,822 volunteers [age range 14 -99 years]. Data were analysed according to gender and for each age decile from <30 to >80years.
Results:
Measures from the new cuff based method demonstrated excellent face validity. Known increases in pSBP/pDBP and cSBP with age were observed. Age and gender associations with Alx and PWV established from gold standard techniques were mirrored for Alx and PWV measures from the new method. Differences in actual values for Alx, particularly in younger participants, are likely die to the smaller group sizes in the present study. Lower PWV compared to gold-standard may reflect a systematic underestimation by the new method.
Conclusions:
Despite difference in actual values, observed measures mirror age and gender association from gold-standard techniques. Data presented here may represent the initial reference values for cuff based measures of arterial stiffness and central haemodynamics. Further validation is now possible in primary care settings.