Abstract
We suppose a practical method to measure degree of arteriosclerosis noninvasively. This method is based on visualization of 2-dimensional velocity using time series echograms recorded by high-frame-rate echography. Recording cross section of artery, the motion of it seems to expand and contract concentrically. The expanding and contracting velocity consists of both elastic component and surging component. To elucidate only elastic component, we expanded this method to detect an elastic index which is defined as ASR (Arterial Strain Rate). ASR is able to induce an elastic index of artery. Applying ASR to rubber tubes, elasticity can be classified easily. So we applied to human common carotid arteries (104 subjects) whose age ranged from 13 to 83 years old. Elastic index calculated from ASR ranges about 1.0×10-4Pa-1 under 30 years old, but it decreases in proportion to aging which ranges about 0.2×10-4Pa-1 over 70 years old. These results indicate that artery motion is reduced with aging. This method has a possibility to be used to estimate degree of arteriosclerosis.
