A Study of the Central and Peripheral Arterial Pressure Pulse in Man

This communication describes and discusses the results obtained in studying central and peripheral arterial pressure pulses in man by means of retrograde aortic catheterization. The pressure pulse transformation and pulse transmission in the aorticobrachial system are presented and compared with comparable tracings reported in the dog. Several normal subjects and patients with hypertension, aortic regurgitation and coarctation of the aorta were studied. The genesis of the central pulse contour in aortic regurgitation is reconsidered. The changes in central pulse pressure, produced by the Valsalva-like maneuver, and ventricular premature systoles have been investigated, especially in their relationship to cycle length, end-diastolic volume and peripheral resistance. The technic of obtaining pulse pressure recordings by retrograde aortic catheterization is recommended for determining the location, size and dynamic significance of coarctation of the aorta. As an additional study, aortic densograms and border electrokymograms from the aortic arch and left ventricular border were correlated with simultaneously recorded central aortic pressure tracings.