Pressure independent index for arterial pulse waveform

• Main Author: Ho, Clement Wei En.
• Other Authors: Yeo Joon Hock
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/50075
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Knowing that arteries stiffen with age, this project involves the study of arterial pulse waveform for the nomotension population of different age groups. The aim is to establish the best possible parametric representation with respect to age. The platform which this project is based on is a pressure-dependant parameter established by previous FYP students known as ∆A*. A total of 414 subjects’ data were used for this project and after investigating the ∆A* parameter, discrepancies which affected accuracy were found. Addressing this discrepancies led to the introduction of a new parameter, the ∆A*(ABS). In addition, the benchmark SBP/DBP value in which the subjects’ waveform would be compared against was enhanced (to 107/70mmHg) and more benchmarks were added (∆A65*, ∆A75*, ∆A85*, ∆A95*) in a bid to tighten the pulse rate bracket which subject’s waveform would fall under. 14 errant data were filtered out and while keeping the data set constant, the different parameters were plotted against age and compared. Linear and Non Linear Regression Analysis were carried out and the new parameter ∆A*(ABS) showed a significant improvement in results compared to the previous ∆A* parameter In comparison to more established parameters like the SBP, MAP and CAP, the results shown by ∆A* (ABS) after the errant data were removed showed promise having better SBP and MAP. However, the best parametric representation with regards to age was still CAP. The ∆A* (ABS) shows good potential and can be further explored by addressing the limitations and building on the recommendations mentioned in this report.