Arteriography

What is Arteriography?

Arteriography is a procedure for determining the condition of the arteries with the help of the new Hungarian medical diagnostic device, the Arteriograph. The device measures the stiffness-flexibility of the arterial wall and is able to show arterial blockage and the extent of calcification well before any symptoms are manifested in the Patient

How does the arteriograph work?

The measurement is based on the fact that during systole (when the heart contracts), the having been ejected into the aorta generates (early systolic peak). This pulse wave runs down and reflects from the bifurcation of aorta, creating a second wave (late systolic peak). The return time is the difference between the first and the reflected systolic wave and is related to the stiffness of the aorta. The difference of the amplitudes of the first and second systolic wave depends on the tone of the peripheral arteries. On the basis of these, aortic pulse wave velocity can be calculated if we measure the distance between the jugulum and the symphysis.

What does the examination entail?

The examination very much resembles that of blood pressure monitoring, takes 10-15 minutes, is painless and seeks to evaluate the condition of the arteries by finding answers to the following two key questions:

1. what is the stiffness of the inner membrane of the vascular system? and,
2. how fast does the pulse wave pass through the aorta?

Three to four measurements are taken for accuracy. The evaluation is done by computer.
Our cardiologists are available for consultation, following the examination.