117 – Pulse Transit Time and Velocity Calculation

Pulse Transit Time (PTT) is the time it takes the pulse pressure waveform to propagate through a length of the arterial tree. The pulse pressure waveform results from the ejection of blood from the left ventricle and moves with a velocity much greater than the forward movement of the blood itself.

With increased vessel wall stiffness (decreased compliance), DELTA V decreases and pulse wave velocity increases. With increased blood pressure, the arterial walls are more strongly stretched and pulse wave velocity increases. Accordingly, for a fixed vessel distance, as the pulse transit time increases the blood pressure decreases.

In this application note, pulse transit time will be measured between the R-wave and the peak of the pressure wave at the finger, as measured by the pulse plethysmograph.

Associated Applications

  • Plethysmography - Record PPG, measure BP indirectly, look at appendage size variations, and perform sexual arousal studies using BIOPAC or 3rd-party transducers.
  • Amplifiers & Interfaces - Use BIOPAC amplifiers with MP Systems, as stand-alone devices, or with 3rd-party flow meters, force plates, sono-micrometers, telemetry equipment, metabolic carts, etc.

WHAT'S NEW

New Citations | BIOPAC and Mindfulness

Much of modern research aims to objectively record emotion and mindfulness in order to better...

Join the BIOPAC Community

Stay Current

Stay Connected

Request a Demonstration
Request a Demonstration