Multivariate Decomposition of Arterial Blood Pressure Variability for the Assessment of Arterial Control of Circulation

In order to analyze the information carried by arterial blood pressure (ABP) variability, a multivariate parametric model of interactions involving systolic ABP (SAP), diastolic ABP (DAP), pulse pressure (PP), heart period (HP), and respiration is proposed. The model defines SAP as sum of the preceding DAP and PP values; DAP model accounts for arterial baroreflex, diastolic runoff; PP reflects changes in stroke volume related to respiration and HP, afterload; equation residuals reveal other vascular and cardiac output modulations. The model was applied to data from nine young volunteers (aged 29plusmn6 years) during supine cycling at 10%, 20%, and 30% of their maximum effort. Significant basal values and changes across the epochs of the experiment were found in all hemodynamic parameters describing fast, beat-by-beat responses; in SAP and PP total power, DAP low- and high-frequency power (LF, HF), PP very low frequency (VLF), and LF and HF power. A primary role of vascular control through DAP and PP was emphasized by the considered feedbacks and the model residuals. The model proved to be able to assess beat-by-beat cardiovascular interactions and offer a comprehensive view of arterial tree control.