Using Flow Waveform Approximations for Aortic Wave Reflection and Pulse Transit Time Assessment: A Critical Evaluation

The arterial blood pressure waveform can be considered as the composite of a forward pressure wave, travelling from the heart to the periphery, and of a reflected pressure wave, travelling backwards towards the heart. Early return of this reflected wave boosts systolic blood pressure, increasing the load on the heart and widening the amplitude of the pressure pulse, factors that have been shown to increase cardiovascular risk.