Figure 4. Pressure waveforms in HFpEF versus HFrEF. Radial pressure waves are shown as obtained, aortic pressure waves were derived with a valid transfer function. Note the striking differences in waveforms, which cannot be attributed to the small differences in brachial BP (128/72 mm Hg in HFpEF versus 118/78 mm Hg in HFrEF). In HFpEF, a striking late-systolic peak is visible, which is completely missing in HFrEF (arrows). Corresponding aortic AIx, normalized for heart rate 75, is 32% in HFpEF vs. 0% in HFrEF, respectively.

AIx = augmentation index; BP = blood pressure; HFpEF = heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; HFrEF = heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.