Alternative Interpretations on the Case for Non-invasive Central Aortic Pressure Monitoring

The derivation and application of estimates of central blood pressure continues to generate discussion and debate with published commentaries expressing a range of views regarding the use of central blood pressure (BP) in the management of hypertension. The fundamental point of issue should, however, not be related to device specifics but, assuming a reliable estimate is available, be on the clinical place of central BP estimation and of appropriate use in management of cardiovascular disease, is it under- or over-utilised?

While there has now been a long history of publications on the pros and cons of central BP in clinical practice [1,2,3], in recent years, new evidence has helped to clarify interpretation of some major issues in the field, whereas other issues remain unresolved. This article expands on some of these issues, and in doing so, presents an alternative interpretation to that previously presented by Keston et al. [4] on the case for non-invasive central aortic pressure monitoring.