Validation of the integration of technology that measures additional "vascular" indices into an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring system

Background: The objective of this study was to validate the novel integration of oscillometric (Vasotens((R))) technology into a BPLab((R)) ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring system to measure central BP, the aortic augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) compared with the recommended and widely accepted tonometric method. Methods: The ARTERY Society guidelines for comparison of PWV measurement techniques were used as the basis for recruitment of 99 individuals (mean age 44 +/- 19 years, 52 males). The standard for comparison was the conventional "classic" SphygmoCor device. Results: Accordance of the two methods was satisfactory (r=0.98, mean difference of 2.9 +/- 3.5 mmHg for central systolic BP; r=0.98, mean difference of-1.1 +/- 2.3 mmHg for central diastolic BP; r=0.83, mean difference of-2.6%+/- 13% for aortic augmentation index; r=0.85, mean difference of 0.69 +/- 1.4 for PWV). Conclusion: The performance of Vasotens algorithms using an oscillometric ambulatory BP monitoring system is feasible for accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and evaluation of the effects of antihypertensive drugs.