A pulse wave is generated with each heart beat when the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
- For the pulse wave to travel from the heart to periphery Aortic integrity is vital.
- The pulse wave travels through the walls of arterial tree , in the process the wall itself is set into oscillations .
- Whether the moving blood imparts the pulse on the walls or the walls itself vibrate independently is not clear .
The following M -Mode echocardiogram of aorta from young man stunningly documents the morphology of central aortic pulse wave . Note how closely it resembles the Intra- aortic pressure curve recorded with a catheter.
The anterior aortic wall motion was sliced from the above motion image to create a non invasive recording of aortic pulse wave
This simple observation was made in a crowded echo lab our hospital. Cardiology fellows can explore further , the link between aortic pulse transduction (From mechano -hemodynamics)
Further studies are warranted regarding the rate of raise (Slope) of aortic wall motion , and the quantum of motion ,its correlation with central aortic pressure etc. This would unravel the the mechanisms of Isolated systolic hypertension , where a stiff aorta amplifies the systolic pressure due to loss of elasticity .
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Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 
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