Noninvasive estimation of baroreflex sensitivity using pressure pulse amplification

Studies using peripheral pressure measurements have facilitated studies in identifying particular gain characteristics of baroreflex control loops. However, the baroreceptors are located in central regions of the arterial tree (aortic arch and carotid arteries) and are subjected to peak pressures that are different to those measured in peripheral locations (e.g., finger). The analysis presented shows that if the known transfer function properties between peripheral and central pressures are used to derive central pressure from peripheral measurements, the baroreflex gain characteristics can be calculated in terms of central aortic pressure changes. The results obtained by this method are markedly different than those calculated using peripheral pressure.