Assessment of the state of the vascular system based on the resultsof rheographic measurements

The reasons for the decline in interest in the rheographic method of studying the state of the cardiovascular system, proposed in the forties of the last century as a new promising research method, are considered. It is shown that the noted shortcomings of the method are not related to its fundamental capabilities, but to the inadequacy of the proposed method of analysis and interpretation of the obtained data, which underlies the classical method used today for assessing the state of the cardiovascular system based on the results of rheographic studies. The classical method proposed completely unfounded information parameters and unclear formal rules for their evaluation, which do not allow the observed features of the rheographic signal to be linked to the hemodynamic features of the pa-tient’s cardiovascular system. The article examines the causes of errors in assessing the state of the cardiovascular system that arise when using the classical method of analysis and suggests possible ways to im-prove the method. The potential of using rheography is shown not only for the adequate assessment of its traditional parameters, such as blood filling of arterial vessels, tone of vessels of various calibers, peripheral resistance, and the state of venous outflow. It is also demonstrated to be effective for the highly accurate assessment of peripheral and central arterial pressure. Rheography can improve the accuracy of determining the speed of pulse wave propagation in arterial vessels. It also enhances the precision of the ankle-brachial index when evaluating the condition of the arteries in the patient's lower extremities. Finally, rheography can be used to assess the functional state of the endothelium in arteri-al vessels. It is shown that the rheographic method allows obtaining all these data using simpler methods compared to the methods currently used for similar purposes and using cheaper equipment. In addition, the use of rheography makes it possible to obtain higher accuracy in assessing the parameters of interest.