pulsprofilen

Pulsprofilen refers to the characteristic shape of a single heartbeat's pressure wave as it travels through the arterial system. This waveform is not static but changes as it propagates from the aorta towards the peripheral arteries. Analyzing the pulsprofilen can provide insights into vascular health, including arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and cardiac function.

The shape of the pulsprofilen is influenced by several factors. These include the heart's stroke volume, the elasticity of the arterial walls, and the resistance of the peripheral vasculature. As the pulse wave moves outwards, it typically becomes steeper, with a higher peak pressure and a more rapid decline. This phenomenon is partly due to wave reflection, where the pulse wave bounces off arterial branches and encounters the forward-traveling wave, altering its shape.

Measurement of the pulsprofilen can be done non-invasively using devices like tonometers or pressure sensors placed on the skin over an artery. Different parameters can be extracted from the waveform, such as the pulse arrival time, pulse transit time, and augmentation index, which quantify aspects of arterial stiffness and wave reflection. These measurements are increasingly used in clinical settings and research to assess cardiovascular risk and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Changes in the pulsprofilen can indicate conditions like atherosclerosis or hypertension.