Endothelium Function Assessment with Radial Pulse Wave Signals

This study proposes a method of measuring vasodilatation via air pressure sensing to assess the function of endothelium cells. The vasodilatation index is calculated according to the change of area of waveform caused by stimulation to the blood vessels, and uses this index to reflect the function of endothelium cells; therefore, early self-monitoring of cardiovascular dysfunction and arterial stiffness can be easily and effectively achieved. Only a few minutes are needed for conducting a self endothelial function assessment. Furthermore, this study improves the high cost pressure sensors used in Reactive Hyperemia Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (RH-PAT) and its inconveniences. 30 test subjects with no previous cardiovascular disease record were included for testing the reproducibility of the instrument. It has been proven that the air pressure sensing method proposed in this study has higher reproducibility and practicality than the Photoplethysmography (PPG) system for assessing the function of endothelium cells.