Pulse transit time as an index of vascular reactivity.

Pulse transit time (PTT) is a non-invasive method for measuring arterial compliance and stiffness, which are excellent predictors of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine whether PTT can be used to precisely monitor vascular reactivity in response to changes in hand posture and whether the digital pulse wave index of time-to-maximum slope (TMS) is a suitable alternative to PTT. Fifteen healthy, 22-year-old males participated in the study.

The role of myocardial performance index in assessment of left ventricular function in patients with valvular mitral regurgitation.

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most commonly encountered valve lesion in modern clinical practice. Severe mitral regurgitation may cause systolic dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction may not be an accurate measurement of LV function in patients with mitral insufficiency.