IEEE J Biomed Health Inform_Dataset_Arteriolar Ev for ShortCommun

Objective: Dysfunction of vasomotor reactions due to arteriolar smooth muscle causes serious adverse events, such as loss of hemodynamic coherence. This in turn can increase risks of cardiovascular diseases. A noninvasive and quantitative evaluation of microvascular disorder is therefore very important for diagnosis and treatment. This paper describes a new approach to the assessment of vasomotor functions using the arteriolar elasticity measurement in a fingertip. Methods: A recently developed device, modified to detect a photoplethysmogram with green light (gPPG) in arteriolar regions, allowed the measurement of blood pressure and gPPG from a left index fingertip placed on an occlusive cuff of the device. Arteriolar stiffness and distensibility were analyzed as effective elasticity indices, as a function of arteriolar distending pressure derived by volume-oscillometry. Cold pressor tests to induce vasomotion were carried out whether appropriate elasticity changes could be obtained. Results: Experiments using 6 healthy subjects were successfully made to obtain arteriolar elastic properties before and while immersing a right hand in cold water. The stiffness and distensibility showed, respectively, a considerable increase and decrease, clearly demonstrating the appropriate elasticity changes with vasomotor reactions. Conclusion: Although a further study using many subjects is needed, the results so far suggest that this method could easily provide important features to acquire quantitatively arteriolar elasticity and to assess vasomotor functions in the microvasculature. Significance: This convenient method appears useful for clinical practices and health management and promising also for screening cardiovascular diseases.