초록
Objectives: The information on the depth where pulse wave appears is as important as pulse waveform. The aim of this study was to classify pulse pattern using pressure-height(P-H) volume-curve by 5 applied pressure levels to find out the information on the depth of pulse and interpret the floating & sinking pulse in oriental medical pulse diagnosis. Methods: We used 3 dimensional pulse imaging analyser (DMP-3000, DAEYOMEDI Co., Korea), which measures radial pulse waveforms noninvasively by way of tonometric method at 5 applied pressure levels, and shows P-H volume-curves by applied pressure. 448 subjects were enrolled, pulse waveforms were measured and the P-H volume-curves were gained on the three locations of Chon, Kwan, and Cheok. Results: Gained P-H volume curves were classified into 3 types ; increase type, decrease type, and increase-decrease type. Increase-decrease type appeared more often on Chon and Kwan, while increase type appeared more often on Cheok. In a few cases, decrease-type appeared on Chon and Kawn, however it never appeared on Cheok. Conclusions: Through the classification of pulse by P-H volume-curve, we gained the information on the depth of pulse. We speculate the decrease type as floating pulse, the increase-decrease type as middle pulse, and the increase type as sinking pulse in oriental medical pulse diagnosis. After more researches on P-H volume-curve by applied pressure, the P-H volume-curve may be used as an important factor for pulse diagnosis.