Abstract: Objective: To improve the identification of peaks and feet in photoplethysmographic (PPG) pulses deformed by myokinetic noise, through the implementation of a modified fingertip and applying adaptive filtering. Method: PPG signals were recordedfrom 10 healthy volunteers using two photoplethysmography systems placed on the index finger of each hand. Recordings lasted three minutes andwere done as follows: during the first minute, both handswere at rest, and for the lasting two minutes only the left hand was allowed to make quasi-periodicmovementsin order to add myokinetic noise. Two methodologies were employed to process the signals off-line. One consisted on using an adaptive filter based onthe Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm, and the other includeda preprocessing stage in addition to the same LMS filter. Both filtering methods were compared and the one with the lowest error was chosen to assess the improvement in the identification of peaks and feet from PPG pulses. Results: Average percentage errorsobtained wereof 22.94% with the first filtering methodology, and 3.72% withthe second one. On identifying peaks and feet from PPG pulsesbefore filtering, error percentages obtained were of 24.26% and 48.39%, respectively, and once filtered error percentageslowered to 2.02% for peaks and 3.77% for feet. Conclusions: The attenuation of myokinetic noise in PPG pulses through LMS filtering, plusa preprocessing stage, allows increasingthe effectiveness onthe identification of peaks and feet from PPG pulses, which are of great importance for medical assessment.

Resumen: Objetivo: Mejorar la identificación de cimas y pies en el pulso fotopletismográfico (PPG, por sus siglas en inglés), deformado por efecto del ruido miocinético, mediante la implementación de un dedal modificado y filtrado adaptativo. Método: Se obtuvo el PPG en 10 voluntarios sanos empleando 2 sistemas de fotopletismografía colocados en el dedo índice de cada mano, y registrándolos simultáneamente durante 3 min. Durante el primer minuto de registro, ambas manos estuvieron en reposo, y durante los 2 min posteriores, solo la mano izquierda realizó movimientos cuasi-periódicos para añadir ruido miocinético. Se emplearon 2 metodologías para procesar las señales fuera de línea, en una se usó un filtro con el algoritmo de mínimos cuadrados promediados (LMS, por sus siglas en inglés) y en la otra se hizo un preprocesamiento adicional al filtrado LMS. Ambas metodologías fueron comparadas y la de menor error porcentual en la señal recuperada se utilizó para valorar la mejora en la identificación de cimas y pies del PPG. Resultados: El error promedio obtenido fue del 22.94% para la primera metodología, y del 3.72% para la segunda. Los errores en la identificación de cimas y pies antes de filtrar el PPG fueron del 24.26 y 48.39%, respectivamente, una vez filtrados, disminuyeron a 2.02 y 3.77%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El filtrado adaptativo basado en el algoritmo LMS, más una etapa de preprocesamiento, permite atenuar el ruido miocinético en el PPG, y aumentar la efectividad en la identificación de cimas y pies de pulso, que resultan de gran importancia para una valoración médica.

A variabilidade cardiovascular (VCV) tem sido avaliada em doentes parkinsonianos em vários países e apresenta diferenças étnicas. Objetivo Investigar a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) e a variabilidade da pressão arterial (VPA) em doentes parkinsonianos mexicanos. Método Comparamos VFC e VPA entre o grupo de estudo e controles jovens (CJ), a fim de estimar a magnitude da diferença. CVV foi estudada no domínio do tempo e da frequência durante repouso supino (RS), ortostase ativa (OA) e respiração controlada. Estas medições foram comparadas com aquelas de 20 CJ. Resultados Nosso estudo mostrou diminuição em quase todos os parâmetros da VFC em doentes parkinsonianos. A diminuição dos parâmetros da VPA foi encontrada com menos frequência. Conclusão Nossos resultados indicam que a VFC é prejudicada na doença de Parkinson. Alguns parâmetros do VPA também são reduzidos.

Cardiovascular variability (CVV) has been evaluated in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in other countries and exhibit ethnic differences. Objective We investigated heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) in Mexican patients with PD. Method We further compared HRV and BPV between this group and young healthy controls (YHC) in order to estimate, for the first time in our country, the magnitude of the difference. Twenty patients were examined. Time- and frequency-domain CVV parameters were studied during supine rest (SR), active standing (AS) and controlled breathing. These measurements were compared to those of 20 YHC. Results In the three conditions tested, our study showed a decrease in almost all HRV parameters in PD patients; on the contrary, decreased BPV parameters were found less frequently and only during SR and AS. Conclusion Our results indicate that HRV is impaired in PD. Some BPV parameters are also diminished.

Apesar da resposta circulatória ao estresse ortostático já foi estudada em pacientes com doença de Parkinson sem hipotensão ortostática típica (PD-TOH), não há uma resposta inicial que é exclusivamente associada com o ortostase ativa (AS). Portanto, buscou-se avaliar esta resposta e compará-la à observada em jovens saudáveis (YHC). Método Em 10 PD-TOH pacientes (8 homens, 60±7 anos, Hoehn e Yahr ≤3) as mudanças na pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e da frequência cardíaca que ocorrem nos primeiros 30 segundos (seg) de pé foram examinados. Ambos parâmetros foram monitorizados continuamente através do método Peňáz e os critérios de Wesseling. Os pontos de amostragem foram escolhidos com base em estudos anteriores. Estes pontos foram comparados com os de 10 YHC (32±8 anos). Resultados O principal achado deste estudo foi o aumento do tempo entre o início de AS e rebote sistólica no grupo PD-TOH (24±4 vs 19±3 seg, p<0,05). Conclusão Este atraso pode refletir uma latência prolongada na resposta da resistência vascular mediado pelo barorreflexo, mas outros estudos são necessários para confirmar esta hipótese preliminar.

While the circulatory response to orthostatic stress has been already evaluated in Parkinson's disease patients without typical orthostatic hypotension (PD-TOH), there is an initial response to the upright position which is uniquely associated with active standing (AS). We sought to assess this response and to compare it to that seen in young healthy controls (YHC). Method In 10 PD-TOH patients (8 males, 60±7 years, Hoehn and Yahr ≤3) the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate that occur in the first 30 seconds (sec) of standing were examined. Both parameters were non-invasively and continuously monitored using the volume-clamp method by Peñáz and the Physiocal criteria by Wesseling. The choice of sample points was prompted by the results of previous studies. These sample points were compared to those of 10 YHC (8 males, 32±8 years). Results The main finding of the present investigation was an increased time between the AS onset and SBP overshoot in PD-TOH group (24±4 vs. 19±3 sec; p<0.05). Conclusion This delay might reflect a prolonged latency in the baroreflex-mediated vascular resistance response, but more studies are needed to confirm this preliminary hypothesis.

Objective: To develop a portable signal monitoring equipment for electrocardiography (ECG) and heart rate (HR), communicated with a mobile phone using the Bluetooth (BT) communication protocol for display of the signal on screen. Methods: A monitoring system was designed in which the electronic section performs the ECG signal acquisition, as well as amplification, filtering, analog to digital conversion and transmission of the ECG and HR using BT. Two programs were developed for the system. The first one calculates HR through QRS identification and sends the ECG signals and HR to the mobile, and the second program is an application to acquire and display them on the mobile screen. Results: We developed a portable electronic system powered by a 9 volt battery, with amplification and bandwidth meeting the international standards for ECG monitoring. The QRS complex identification was performed using the second derivative algorithm, while the programs allow sending and receiving information from the ECG and HR via BT, and viewing it on the mobile screen. The monitoring is feasible within distances of 15 m and it has been tested in various mobiles telephones of brands Nokia®, Sony Ericsson® and Samsung®. Conclusions: This system shows an alternative for mobile monitoring using BT and Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) programming. It allows the register of the ECG trace and HR, and it can be implemented in different phones.

Objetivo: Desarrollar un equipo de monitoreo de señales de electrocardiografía (ECG) y frecuencia cardiaca (FC) portátil, comunicado con un teléfono móvil mediante el protocolo de comunicación Bluetooth (BT), para su visualización en pantalla. Métodos: Se diseñó un sistema de monitoreo que en su sección electrónica realiza la adquisición de la señal de ECG, así como su amplificación, filtrado, conversión analógica a digital y transmisión por BT del ECG y la FC. Se desarrollaron dos programas para el sistema. El primero calcula la FC a través de la identificación del QRS, y envía las señales del ECG y FC al teléfono móvil. El segundo es una aplicación que permite adquirirlas y visualizarlas en la pantalla del móvil. Resultados: Se desarrolló un sistema electrónico portátil alimentado por una batería de 9 volts, de amplificación y ancho de banda que cumplen con los estándares internacionales, para monitoreo de ECG. La identificación del complejo QRS se realizó con el algoritmo de la segunda derivada, mientras que los programas realizados permiten enviar y recibir la información del ECG y la FC a través de BT, para visualizarlos en la pantalla del móvil. El monitoreo es factible hasta 15 m de distancia. Se probó en distintos móviles de Nokia®, Sony Ericsson® y Samsung®. Conclusiones: Este sistema muestra una alternativa de monitoreo móvil, con un teléfono por medio de BT y la programación en Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME). Permite registrar el trazo del ECG y la FC, y puede implementarse en diferentes móviles.

Antecedent: By means of sphygmokinetocardiography (SKCG) we developed and arterial rigidity index (ARI) which measure the pulse wave aortic carotid reflexion time over the left ventricular ejection time (LVET). This index, together with the pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the pulse pressure (PP) are indicators of arterial stiffness. In this paper we measured these index in 27 systemic artery hypertension. Cases (group A, GA), with and without left ventricular hypertrophy (subgroups: A1 SGA1, n = 13, and A2, SGA2, n = 14), respectively, and 28 normotensive cases (group B, GB). Protocol: In two occasions: after 3 minutes of sitting position (SP) and after 3 minute of jogging in an upright position (UP), blood pressure, ARI, PP, PWV (aortic-hand finger distance/aorto-hand finger pulse time) and R-IV interval (electrocardiographic R wave-left early ventricular kinetocardiography deflexion) were measured. Results: Demography was similar in GA and GB. Systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure were significantly higher in GA vs GB. LVET (ms) was lower in GA vs GB in SP (268 ± 42 vs 274 ± 40, p < 0.001, respectively) and higher postexercise UP (280 ± 42 vs 244 ± 46, p < 0.001). PWV m/s were higher in SP in GA vs GB (9.8 ± 2.8 vs 7.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.001, respectively) and in UP (10.1 ± 1.9 vs 7.9 ± 9, p < 0.001, respectively). ARI was lower in UP in GA vs GB (0.48 ± 0.3 vs 0.80 ± 0.3, p < 0.003). Correlation index of PP vs SBP, vs DBP and vs PWV were significant in SP and in UP. Height had a significant correlation vs ARI in SP and UP (r = 0.60, p < 0.01, and r = 0.42, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: PWV is increased in GA vs GB patients. The ARI index is lower in GA vs GB cases in post exercise. PWV and PP showed a statistical significant correlation; height vs ARI had also a significant correlation: SKCG is a new method, that uses a not commercially instrument, which should have clinical application.

Antecedentes: Mediante esfigmoquinetocardiografía (EQCG) se desarrolló un índice de rigidez arterial (IRA) que mide el tiempo aorto-onda de reflexión arterial sobre el período expulsivo. Este índice junto con la velocidad de la onda del pulso (VOP) y la presión del pulso (PP) son signos de rigidez arterial. Aquí medimos estos indicadores en 27 casos con hipertensión arterial (grupo A, GA) con y sin hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo: subgrupo A1, SGA1 de 13 casos y 14 individuos (subgrupo A2, SGA2) respectivamente y 28 casos normotensos (grupo B, GB). Protocolo: En 2 ocasiones: después de 3 minutos de posición sedente (PS) y después de 3 minutos de trote en posición ortostática (PO), se midió: la presión arterial (PA), el IRA, la VOP (distancia aorta-dedo-mano/tiempo de la onda del pulso aorta-dedo-mano) la PP y el intervalo R-IV (onda R del electrocardiograma -final de la deflexión ventricular temprana en el EQCG. Resultados: La demografía fue similar en ambos grupos. La PP, las presiones sistólica y diastólica fueron más altas en el GA vs el GB. El PE (ms) fue menor en el GA vs el GB en PS (268 ± 42 vs 274 ± 40, p < 0.001, respect.) y más alto en PO (280 ± 42 vs 244 ± 46, p < 0.001) en el GA vs GB. La VOP m/s, fue más alta en PS en GA vs GB (9.8 ± 2.8 vs 7.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.001, respect.) y en PO (10.1 ± 1.9 vs 7.9 ± 9, p < 0.001, respect.). El IRA fue menor en PO en el GA vs GB (0.48 ± 0.3 vs 0.8 ± 0.3, p < 0.003). El índice de correlación de la PP vs PAS, PA y VOP tuvo significancia estadística en PS y en PO. La talla correlacionó con el IRA (r = 0.6, p < 0.01 en PS y r = 0.42, p < 0.05 en PO). Conclusiones: La VOP está aumentada y el IRA más bajo en el GA vs GB en PO (lo que indica mayor rigidez arterial). La VOP y la PP tuvieron correlación significativa con la talla al igual que esta última con el IRA. La EQCG es un método con aplicación clínica. (Arch Cardiol Mex 2003; 73:261-270).

Antecedent: Through sphygmokynetocardiography (SKCG) an exploratory method that records an electrocardiographic signal, a carotid pulse (CP), and two vibriograms (kinetocardiograms) of the left ventricle (LV) recorded in the left hemithorax (anterior kinetocardiogram, AKC) and the subcostal region of left abdomen (posterior kinetocardiogram of PKC, vibrations transmitted through the hemidiaphragm) we observed a systolic precocious reflection wave (Rw) in the CP and prolongation of LV ejection time (LVET) measured in AKC or in PKC of the previous sinusal preextrasystolic beat (PEB) vs control beats (CB) in cases with ventricular extrasystoles (VEs). Objective: To demonstrate whether the intervals just mentioned are associated with ventricular extrasystoles. Method: Sixty cases: 30 with VEs, group A, and 30 without arrhythmia, group B, were studied through SKCG. The LVET and the arterial reflection index or ARI = Ta-rw/LEVT, Ta-rw = time between initial ventricular impulse to reflexive wave, were measured. Results: Demography was similar in both groups. PEB had a longer LVET than the CB (291 ± 41 vs 279 ± 39, p < 0.01) and ARI was shorter (0.36 ± 0.17 vs 0.58 ± 0.21, p < 0.001). Conclusions: 1) Distention of the LV due to Rw, possibly through the well-known experimental mechanism of electromechanic feedback, is believed to underlie the arrhythmia. 2) The observation has important clinical implications.

Antecedentes: El desarrollo de la esfigmoquinetocardiografía (EQCG), método exploratorio que registra: una señal electrocardiográfica, un oscilo-pulso carotídeo (OPC) y dos vibriogramas del ventrículo izquierdo (quinetocardiogramas, QCG) obtenido en el hemitórax y en la región subcostal izquierdos (QCGant y QCGpost, respectivamente) permitió la observación anecdótica de una onda de reflexión arterial precoz detectada en el OPC y una prolongación del periodo expulsivo (PE) medido en el QCGant o en el QCGpost en el latido sinusal pre-extrasistólico (LPE) versus un latido control (LC), en casos con extrasistolia ventricular (EV). Objetivo: Cotejar si la arritmia ventricular está vinculada a cambios en los intervalos señalados. Método: En sesenta casos; 30 con y 30 sin EV, se hizo EQCG; se midió el índice de reflexión arterial (IRA): duración del periodo expulsivo (PE) entre el intervalo aorta-frente de la onda de reflexión arterial. Resultados: Los datos demográficos fueron semejantes en casos con o sin EV. Un PE más largo (291 ± 41 ms vs 279 ± 39, p < 0.01) y un IRA más corto (0.36 ± 0.17 vs 0.58 ± 0.21, p < 0.001) en el LPE vs el LC se encontró en casos con EV. Conclusión: La combinación de PE más largo e IRA más corto en el LPE se asocia con la EV. La onda de reflexión arterial precoz probablemente distiende el VI y origina la EV quizás por el mecanismo de realimentación electromecánica, lo que tiene implicaciones clínicas.

Introduction: Several animal models of right ventricle hypertension (RVH) have been produced through pulmonary artery banding with linen, tygon or teflon. Nevertheless few devices attempting a progressive, step by step graduated chronic development of RVH have been reported. The present study describes the results in our animal model of chronic RVH. Material and methods: We designed a software programmed to obtain hemodynamic data and installed a small occlusive hydraulic device (OHD) at the pulmonary artery trunk producing a raise in the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP); this pressure can be modified externally through the OHD. We studied 12 healthy mongrel dogs (18 to 28 kg of weight) in the course of 6 months. Hemodynamic measurements were performed at different RVSP at two months intervals; (Baseline, 40 mmHg and 60 mmHg). Results: The software was useful to analyze several hemodynamic variables at each RVSP. At 60 mmHg, the end diastolic pressure of the right ventricle (RVEDP) increased from 4.2 ± 0.4 mmHg to 13.2 ± 1.1 mmHg, p < 0.000, accompanied with a fall in cardiac output adjusted to the dogs weight from 0.16 ± 0.03 L/min/kg to 0.09 ± 0.01 L/min/kg, p > 0.000. Also an increase of the end diastolic pressure of the left ventricle (LVEDP) from 7.4 ± 0.8 mmHg to 16.3 ± 2.8 mmHg, p < 0.000, was observed. RVSP was maintained in chronic condition and the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.83, P < 0.005. Conclusions: Right ventricular chronic hypertension is created. The device is useful and reliable to maintain chronic increments of RVSP. The software permits a versatile analysis.

Introducción: En modelos animales se ha producido hipertensión ventricular derecha ocluyendo la arteria pulmonar con bandas hechas de silastic, lino, tygón, o teflón. Estos procedimientos no permiten una oclusión gradual y progresiva que remede lo observado en la condición clínica de hipertensión arterial pulmonar e hipertensión ventricular derecha crónica. El objetivo del presente estudio es crear un modelo donde la obstrucción progresiva sea factible. Material y métodos: Diseñamos tanto un programa de adquisición de datos hemodinámicos como un dispositivo oclusor hidráulico (DOH) del tronco de la arteria pulmonar que permite un control externo de la presión ventricular deseada. Estudiamos durante 6 meses, a 12 perros mestizos sanos de 18 a 28 kg de peso. Realizamos mediciones hemodinámicas cada 2 meses, en condición basal, a 40 mmHg y a 60 mmHg de presión sistólica del ventrículo derecho (PSVD), respectivamente. Resultados: El programa facilitó el análisis instantáneo de múltiples variables hemodinámicas. A 60 mmHg de PSVD, la presión diastólica final del ventrículo derecho incrementó de 4.2 ± 0.4 mmHg a 13.2 ± 1.1 mmHg, p < 0.000, el gasto cardiaco ajustado al peso del perro disminuyó de 0.16 ± 0.03 L/min/ kg hasta 0.09 ± 0.01 L/min/kg, p < 0.000 y la presión diastólica final del ventrículo izquierdo, incrementó de 7.4 ± 0.8 mmHg a 16.3 ± 2.8 mmHg, p < 0.000. El dispositivo mantuvo en el tiempo la PSVD requerida. La confiabilidad por coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0.83, P < 0.005. Conclusiones: El modelo de hipertensión ventricular derecha crónica está creado. El programa de captura hemodinámica permite un análisis versátil. El DOH es confiable para mantener la PSVD en el tiempo.