Alterations of blood pulsations parameters in carotid basin due to body position change

Abstract

The velocity of the pulse wave (PWV) propagating through the vascular tree is an essential parameter for diagnostic the state of the cardiovascular system especially when it is measured in the pool of carotid arteries. In this research, we showed for the first time that the time of the blood-pressure-wave propagation from the heart to the face is a function of the body position. Significant asymmetry and asynchronicity of blood pulsations in the facial area were found in a recumbent position. Parameters of blood pulsations were measured by an advanced camera-based photoplethysmography system in 73 apparently healthy subjects. Most likely, observed changes of the blood-pulsation parameters are caused by variations of the arterial blood pressure due to hydrostatic pressure changes, and secondary reaction of blood vessels in response to these variations. Demonstrated feasibility of PWV measurements in the pool of carotid arteries provides considerable advantages over other technologies. Moreover, possibilities of the method to estimate physiological regulation of the peripheral blood flow (particularly, as a response to the gravitational changes) have been demonstrated. The proposed concept allows development of non-invasive medical equipment capable of solving a wide range of scientific and practical problems related to vascular physiology.