DALLAS, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- (2005 AHA Scientific Sessions Booth #1345) -- In alignment with its dedication to enhance its professional product offering in cardiovascular disease management, Omron Healthcare introduced today the HEM-9000AI non-invasive blood pressure monitor with augmentation index (AI) (1) at the American Heart Association's 2005 Scientific Sessions in Dallas, Texas. The device combines cutting edge technology and ergonomic design to provide physicians with an easy-to-use, non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tool that goes beyond simple blood pressure measurement.
The HEM-9000AI utilizes state-of-the-art multi-sensor array technology to detect information-rich pulse waves (2) at the radial artery at the wrist. The pulse wave is analyzed by separating two components -- the ejected wave coming from the heart, and the reflected wave coming from the reflection at the periphery. The stronger and quicker-to-return reflected wave is linked to increased arterial stiffness -- the hardening of the arteries, and increased cardiac afterload -- the opposing force that the ventricular (heart) muscle must overcome as it ejects blood during systole. Important parameters such as AI, an index that is linked to arterial stiffness and cardiac afterload, can be derived with the pulse wave analysis and blood pressure measurement from this device. This information, together with the basic systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures, can provide physicians with valuable information for better cardiovascular disease diagnosis and management.
The Omron HEM-9000AI is specially designed to ensure both high performance and ease-of-use through integration of proprietary technology, a sophisticated algorithm and ergonomic design. The high performance sensor array design allows the automatic selection of the best sensor unit and the optimal pressure level at the radial artery for accurate and reliable detection of the pulse wave. The specially designed arm rest and sensor positioning mechanism ensures easy-to-use, standard and reliable measurement. These features allow clinicians with minimal training to achieve consistent results.
"According to the American Heart Association, over 70 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, including over 60 million people with hypertension, over 10 million people with coronary heart disease and over five million suffering from strokes," said James Li, general manager of Business Development at Omron Healthcare. "Heart disease and stroke are among the top three leading causes of death in the U.S. today. These diseases are often induced by hypertension, arteriosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy. Therefore, monitoring changes in arterial stiffness and cardiac afterload, in addition to the changes in blood pressure readings, may prove to be an effective measure in preventing and delaying the worsening of the diseases."
The potential clinical applications of the AI range from diagnostics, therapeutics and screening and monitoring for hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, renal disease and diabetes, to name a few. The carotid AI has proven to be an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in end stage renal failure patients. Clinical investigations have also revealed that AI and standard blood pressure measurements can be independently affected by anti-hypertensive drugs. Therefore, the AI may become an important clinical tool for evaluating and monitoring therapeutic outcome. AI has also shown high correlation to hypertrophy, which is a common factor that leads to heart failure.
AI information, combined with blood pressure readings, will enhance physicians' understanding about the relevant cardiovascular disease condition and formulate a more effective treatment regimen to prevent or slow down the disease progression. Omron Healthcare plans to continue clinical evaluations of the AI device in various clinical applications.
"HEM-9000AI was designed to not only provide valuable, new cardiovascular information, but also to do it in a simple, user-friendly way," said Li, Omron Healthcare, Inc. "From the cutting edge multi-sensor array, to the arm rest and sensor positioning and strapping mechanism, and to the onboard printer that provides an instant hardcopy of the results, everything has been designed for convenience, simplicity and reliability that is highly valued in clinical settings."
About Omron Healthcare, Inc.
Omron Healthcare, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Omron Healthcare, Co. Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of blood pressure monitors for home use. Omron Healthcare, Inc. also provides products for respiratory ailments, weight management, and thermometry. Omron Healthcare, Inc. is headquartered in Bannockburn, Ill., a northern suburb of Chicago, with offices in Ontario, Canada, servicing Canadian customers. Omron Healthcare is committed to providing advanced, high-quality professional medical and home healthcare products. For more information, visit http://www.omronhealthcare.com .
(1) AI is the proportion of "reflected waves" to "ejected waves." When the heart systoles to send out blood, it generates an ejected wave. Reflected waves return from the periphery. The pulse wave is the observed wave that is superimposed by the ejected wave and the reflected wave. As arteries stiffen reflected waves become stronger and return faster and AI increases. As the strength and speed of the reflected waves increase the heart has to work harder. Over time this increased workload can cause left ventricular hypertrophy. (2) Pulse waves refer to cyclic changes in the internal pressure of the arteries, which are generated by the heart during systole and diastole. Contacts: Kazuko Kuriyama Omron Healthcare, Inc. (847) 247-5637 kazuko.kuriyama@omron.com Lila Trickle Edelman (312) 233-1218 Lila.trickle@edelman.com
Omron Healthcare, Inc.CONTACT: Kazuko Kuriyama of Omron Healthcare, Inc., +1-847-247-5637,kazuko.kuriyama@omron.com , or, Lila Trickle of Edelman, +1-312-233-1218,Lila.trickle@edelman.com
Web site: http://www.omronhealthcare.com/
