Theory and Applications of the Harmonic Analysis of Arterial Pressure Pulse Waves

Pulse wave analysis is widely used to monitor cardiovascular diseases. Our previous studies have shown the arterial pressure wave drives the blood into tissue. The output from the heart, which generates the harmonics of the heartbeat, and the matching condition of the heart with the arterial system are mutually influenced to generate the harmonic spectrum of pulse wave. Here we review experimental work using harmonic analysis and extend the method to some popular studies of hypertension. The results show that the pressure pulse wave distributes blood throughout the body, and monitoring it provides useful information about the health condition of an individual.