Ratiology and a Complementary Class of Metrics for Cardiovascular Investigations

Physiology (Bethesda). 2019 Jul 1;34(4):250-263. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00056.2018.

Abstract

Cardiovascular investigations often involve ratio-based metrics or differences: ejection fraction, arterial pressure augmentation index, coronary fractional flow reserve, pulse pressure. Focusing on a single number (ratio or difference) implies that information is lost. The lost companions constitute a well-defined but thus far unrecognized class, having additive value, a physical dimension, and often a physiological meaning. Physiologists should play a prominent role in exploring these complementary avenues and also define alternatives.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arterial Pressure / physiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System / physiopathology*
  • Coronary Circulation / physiology
  • Humans