Average dynamic blood-pressure: a theoretical, historical and clinical study

Abstract

The object of this paper is twofold - (1) to give a critical summary of the theoretical, experimental and clinical work which has been done bearing on the subject of oscillometry and the "average dynamic blood -pressure": (2) to give the results of records taken with a "Kymometre" type of sphygmooscillometer from a series of normal and pathological patients, and any conclusions which may be drawn therefrom.Part 1 consists of a brief historical survey of the work done by the pioneers and outstanding workers in this field, with mention of the more important instruments and apparatus used by them. The theory of "oscillations" is considered and the average dynamic blood- pressure is discussed from its theoretical and clinical aspects, and a résumé given of the main results so far obtained. Part 2 consists of a specification of the instrument used, and a description of the technique and technical problems of oscillometry.From the records taken a scale of normal readings is drawn up. The records from pathological cases are compared with this scale, and the significance of deviations from normal discussed. Conclusions which may be drawn from the records obtained are summarised.