Table 1 The definition and meaning of classical time-domain characteristics of pulse wave

h₁

Main wave amplitude

h₃

Tidal wave amplitude

h₄

Dicrotic notch amplitude

h₅

Dicrotic wave amplitude

t₁

Time between starting point to crest of main wave

t₃

Time between starting point to crest of tidal wave

t₄

Time between the starting point to the dicrotic notch

t₅

Time between the dicrotic notch to the ending point

t

Time for a complete pulse cycle

w

Width of the main wave at its 1/3 height

As

Area under the curve during systolic phase

Ad

Area under the curve during diastolic phase

h₃/h₁

Vascular wall compliance and peripheral resistance

h₄/h₁

Level of peripheral resistance

h₅/h₁

Aortic compliance and aortic valve function

w/t

Duration of elevated aortic pressure