Kerkhof PLM, Peace RA, Handly N. Ratiology and a Complementary Class of Metrics for Cardiovascular Investigations.
Physiology (Bethesda) 2020;
34:250-263. [PMID:
31165681 DOI:
10.1152/physiol.00056.2018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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.
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