Stptg 2

Circ J 2006; 70: 304 – 310

Utility of Second Derivative of the Finger Photoplethysmogram
for the Estimation of the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
in the General Population

Toshiaki Otsuka, MD; Tomoyuki Kawada, MD; Masao Katsumata, PhD; Chikao Ibuki, MD*

Background Increased arterial stiffness has been shown to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD).
However, it remains unclear as to whether the second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram (SDPTG), a
non-invasive method for the assessment of arterial stiffness, is useful for the estimation of risk of CHD in the
general population.
Methods and Results The SDPTG in 211 subjects (age: 63±15 years, range: 21–91 years, 93 males) was
recorded without apparent atherosclerotic disorders from a community. The relationship between the SDPTG
indices (b/a and d/a) and coronary risk factors (n=211) or the Framingham risk score (n=158, age: 60±12 years,
range: 30–74 years, 63 males) were analyzed. The SDPTG indices significantly correlated with the Framingham
risk score in both genders (b/a; rmale =0.43, rfemale =0.54 and d/a; rmale =–0.38, rfemale =–0.58), as well as several
coronary risk factors. In the receiver operating characteristics curve analyses, the b/a discriminated high-risk sub-
jects for CHD, who were in the highest quintile of the Framingham risk score in each gender, with a sensitivity
and specificity of 0.85 and 0.58 in males and 0.83 and 0.72 in females, respectively.
Conclusions These results suggest that the SDPTG is useful for the estimation of risk of CHD in the general
population. (Circ J 2006; 70: 304 – 310)
Key Words: Arterial stiffness; Cardiovascular preventive medicine; Coronary heart disease; Framingham risk
score; Second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram

C
oronary heart disease (CHD) is still one of the index (AIx).19,21 In addition, the SDPTG indices were inde-
1
major causes of deaths in Japan. Moreover, CHD pendently influenced by several risk factors for atheroscle-
mortality is expected to increase in the near future rosis in patients with hypertension23 and in the general
because the lifestyles of the Japanese, such as their dietary 24
population. However, it is still unclear as to whether the
2
habits, have become westernized. Indeed, it has been SDPTG indices are related to the coronary risk factors, or
reported that young Japanese patients with CHD who have moreover, the risk for the future development of CHD in
multiple coronary risk factors, including hypertension, apparently healthy individuals.
hyperlipidemia, and obesity, all of which might be associ- Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a Japanese
3
ated with their lifestyles, have been increasing. Therefore, community to assess the relationship between the SDPTG
it is important in the field of cardiovascular preventive indices and coronary risk factors in subjects with no appar-
medicine to identify those at risk of CHD in general popu- ent atherosclerotic disorders. Furthermore, we calculated
lations. 26
the Framingham risk score, which has been used to esti-
Increased arterial stiffness has been shown to be associ- mate an individual’s risk of CHD, and determined the
4–11
ated not only with several coronary risk factors, but also optimal cut-off points of the SDPTG indices to discrimi-
with the future development of CHD. 12–18 Recently, the nate individuals at risk of CHD.
second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram
(SDPTG) has been developed as one of the non-invasive
and convenient methods for pulse-wave analysis. 19–21 The Methods
SDPTG is obtained from double differentiation of the Study Population
finger photoplethysmogram (PTG) and is thought to pro- In the present study, 211 subjects (age: 63±15 years,
vide structural and functional properties of both central and range: 21–91 years, 93 males) who underwent both SDPTG
19
peripheral arteries. Indeed, an index calculated from the recording and blood sampling after an overnight fast were
SDPTG showed a significant association with age, 19,20,22–24 recruited from the annual health examination in a commu-
25
carotid arterial distensibility, and the aortic augmentation nity, Yamanashi, Japan, in 2004 and 2005. Subjects with a
history or presence of atherosclerotic disorders, such as
(Received July 1, 2005; revised manuscript received December 12, CHD, stroke, and peripheral obstructive arterial disease,
2005; accepted December 19, 2005) were excluded from the study. We also excluded subjects
Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, *Department with renal dysfunction (serum creatinine ≥1.3 mg/dl) or
of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Tama-Nagayama Hospital,
Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
patients who had taken medications for hypertension,
Mailing address: Toshiaki Otsuka, MD, Environmental Medicine, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes mellitus. Subjects with abnor-
Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, mal Q-waves on the 12-lead electrocardiogram at rest were
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan. E-mail: otsuka@nms.ac.jp also excluded. This study protocol was approved by the

Circulation Journal Vol.70, March 2006

SDPTG and Risk of CHD 305

Table 1 Clinical Characteristics and SDPTG Indices of Study
Subjects (n=211)

Parameters
Age (years) 63±15
<40 20 (9.5%)
40–49 18 (8.5%)
50–59 34 (16.1%)
60–69 56 (26.5%)
70–79 65 (30.8%)
≥80 18 (8.6%)
Male gender 93 (44.1%)
BMI (kg/m2) 22.6±3.1
SBP (mmHg) 130±18
DBP (mmHg) 76±12
PP (mmHg) 54±12
TC (mg/dl) 199±37
TG (mg/dl) 96±72
HDLC (mg/dl) 59±16
TC/HDLC ratio 3.6±1.1
FPG (mg/dl) 93±11
Hypertension 59 (28.0%)
Hyperlipidemia 65 (30.8%)
Fig 1. A schema of the finger photoplethysmogram (PTG, Top) and Obesity 39 (18.5%)
the second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram (SDPTG, Diabetes mellitus 0 (0%)
Bottom). The SDPTG consists of 5 waves and each wave is consecu- Smoking 23 (16.3%)
tively named ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, ‘d’, and ‘e’ wave, respectively. The ‘a’ and SDPTG indices
‘b’ waves are included in the early systolic phase and the ‘c’ and ‘d’ b/a –0.46±0.14
waves in the late systolic phase of the PTG. d/a –0.36±0.13

Presented values are the mean ± SD or number of subjects (percent of total).
Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg.
Hyperlipidemia was defined as TC ≥220 mg/dl and/or TG ≥150 mmHg.
ethics committee of Nippon Medical School. Written Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Diabetes mellitus was defined as
informed consent was obtained from all participants. FPG ≥140 mg/dl. Smoking was defined as regularly smoking during the
previous 12 months.
Measurements of the Data SDPTG, second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram; BMI, body
Blood sampling and hemodynamic measurements were mass index; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure;
conducted in a temperature-controlled room maintained at PP, pulse pressure; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglycerides; HDLC, high-
density lipoprotein cholesterol; FPG, fasting plasma glucose.
24±2°C. Blood samples were collected from the antecu-
bital vein in each participant after an overnight fast. Serum
total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, and plasma glucose
were measured by enzymatic reference methods on an phase of the PTG, whereas the ‘c’ and ‘d’ waves are in-
automated analyzer. Serum high-density lipoprotein cho- cluded in the late systolic phase. The height of each wave
lesterol (HDLC) was analyzed using a direct method based from the baseline was measured and the ratios of the height
on the selective solubilizing effect. Systolic blood pressure of the ‘a’ wave to that of the ‘b’ and ‘d’ waves (b/a and d/a)
(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured were calculated and used as the SDPTG indices in the pres-
by means of an automated oscillometric device (USM- ent study.
700GSi, Elquest Corporation, Chiba, Japan), after the
subject had been resting for at least 5 min in a sitting posi- Assessment of Individual’s CHD Risk Level
tion. Pulse pressure (PP) was defined as the difference In 158 subjects who were aged 30 to 74 years (mean age:
between the SBP and DBP. The SDPTG was recorded in 60±12 years, 63 males), the individual’s CHD risk level
the supine position using an SDP-100 instrument (Fukuda was estimated based on the Framingham CHD score sheets
Denshi, Tokyo, Japan), when the subject had been resting 26
presented by Wilson et al. This scoring system was
for at least 5 min in the same position. A transducer was applied only to subjects with an age ranging from 30 to 74
placed on the cuticle of the index finger of the left hand and years; therefore, 45 subjects over the age of 75 and 8 sub-
the signal of the blood volume changes in the peripheral jects under the age of 30 were excluded from this assess-
circulation, which indicated PTG, was sent to the SDP-100. ment. The details of the algorithm for the determination of
The PTG describes the changes in the absorption of light 26
the risk score are described in the original report. In brief,
by hemoglobin using a waveform according to the Lambert- 6 risk factors (age, gender, blood pressure, cholesterol
27
Beer law. The details of the methodology for the measure- value, smoking status, and presence or absence of diabetes)
ment of the PTG and the SDPTG are described elsewhere. 28 were changed into the respective scores and the total score
The double differentiation of the PTG was then performed was used as the individual’s CHD risk level. Diabetes was
automatically in the device. The reproducibility of the defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥140 mg/dl in the
SDPTG has been previously reported with an intraobserver 26
original report, and we used the same criterion in the pres-
22
repeatability of 8%, according to Bland and Altman. 29 ent study. Since subjects who were in the highest quintile
A schema of the PTG and SDPTG is shown in Fig 1. The of the Framingham risk score could be regarded as ‘rela-
SDPTG consists of 4 waves in systole (‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, and ‘d’ tively’ high-risk for CHD in a population, we defined them
waves) and 1 wave in diastole (‘e’ wave). The ‘a’ and ‘b’ as high-risk subjects in each gender in the present study.
waves on the SDPTG are included in the early systolic


306 OTSUKA T et al.

Table 2 Relationship Between the SDPTG Indices (b/a and d/a) and the Coronary Risk Factors
Pearson’s correlation Multiple linear
coefficient regression analysis
r p value t p value
b/a
Age 0.52 <0.001 0.45 7.49 <0.001
Gender (Female=0, Male=1) –0.24 <0.001 –0.25 –4.27 <0.001
BMI 0.03 0.67 –
SBP 0.24 <0.001 0.15 2.49 <0.05
DBP 0.10 0.14 –
PP 0.26 <0.001 N
TC 0.01 0.84 –
TG 0.03 0.64 –
HDLC –0.09 0.18 –
TC/HDLC ratio 0.11 0.10 –
FPG 0.13 0.06 –
Smoking (No=0, Yes=1) –0.09 0.21 –
(model R2 =0.33)
d/a
Age –0.51 <0.001 –0.43 –6.60 <0.001
Gender (Female=0, Male=1) 0.08 0.26 –
BMI –0.02 0.79 –
SBP –0.26 <0.001 –0.09 –1.38 0.17
DBP –0.19 <0.01 N
PP –0.21 <0.01 N
TC –0.06 0.41 –
TG 0.00 0.99 –
HDLC –0.10 0.15 –
TC/HDLC ratio –0.15 <0.05 –0.04 –0.59 0.55
FPG –0.28 <0.001 –0.11 –1.78 0.08
Smoking (No=0, Yes=1) 0.07 0.30 –
(model R2 =0.28)

N, not included in the model. Other abbreviations see in Table 1.

Statistical Analysis as a marker for the discrimination of the high-risk subjects
Continuous variables and categorical data were expressed for CHD. The point on the ROC curve closest to the upper
as the mean ± SD and the number of subjects (with a per- left-hand corner was defined as the optimal cut-off point.
centage), respectively. Statistical analyses were performed All statistical tests were 2-sided and a p-value less than
by using Dr. SPSS II software (version 11.0.1J, SPSS Japan, 0.05 was considered to be significant.
Tokyo, Japan) for Windows. The relationship between the
SDPTG indices and the coronary risk factors or the Fram-
ingham risk score was assessed by means of Pearson’s Results
moment correlation coefficient. Thereafter, multiple linear Clinical Characteristics and SDPTG Indices of the Study
regression analyses were performed with the SDPTG Subjects
indices as dependent variables and the coronary risk factors The clinical characteristics and the SDPTG indices of
that showed significance with Pearson’s moment correla- the study subjects are shown in Table 1. The majority of
tion coefficient as independent variables (except for DBP subjects were in the age range of 70 to 79 years. The mean
and PP because of a high correlation with SBP). To evalu- body mass index, SBP, DBP, serum lipid levels, and FPG
ate as to whether the SDPTG indices were associated with were within normal range. The prevalence of hypertension
the Framingham risk score independent of age, multiple and hyperlipidemia was approximately 30%. None of the
linear regression analyses were conducted with the Fram- subjects with diabetes participated in the present study.
ingham risk score as dependent variables and age and the
SDPTG indices as independent variables. Differences in SDPTG Indices and Coronary Risk Factors
the coronary risk factors contributing to the Framingham The relationships between the SDPTG indices and coro-
risk score (age, SBP, DBP, TC, HDLC, and smoking status) nary risk factors are noted in Table 2. The b/a showed a
and the SDPTG indices in each quintile were analyzed significant correlation with age, gender, SBP, and PP. The
using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or a chi- d/a significantly correlated with age, SBP, DBP, PP,
square test. Post-hoc Dunnett’s tests were performed with TC/HDLC ratio, and FPG. In the multiple linear regression
the highest quintile as the control group if the ANOVA analyses, the independent variables influencing the b/a
showed significance. To assess the sensitivity, specificity, were age, gender, and SBP, whereas only age indepen-
and corresponding cut-off values of the SDPTG indices to dently influenced the d/a.
discriminate the high-risk subjects for CHD, analyses of
the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were Framingham Risk Score and SDPTG Indices
performed. Significance was assumed when the lower The mean Framingham risk score was 5.8±3.4 in males
bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the area under and 4.8±5.4 in females. The score was distributed more
the ROC curve (AUC) exceeded 0.5. When the AUC was widely in females (–14–16) than in males (–3–13). The
significant, the corresponding SDPTG index was identified correlations between the Framingham risk score and the



Fig 2. Correlations between second deriva-
tive of the finger photoplethysmogram
indices and the Framingham risk score in
each gender. The b/a was positively corre-
lated (Top), whereas the d/a inversely
correlated (Bottom) with the Framingham
risk score in both genders.

Table 3 Coronary Risk Factors Contributing to the Framingham Risk Score and SDPTG Indices Based on the Quintile
of the Score
Quintile of the Framingham risk score p value
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 for trend

Male (–3–2) (3–4) (5–6) (7–8) (9–13)
Number 10 11 16 13 13
Age (years) 42±9§ 52±9§ 61±10 66±4 68±7 <0.001
SBP (mmHg) 124±12§ 128±22† 123±12§ 134±18* 152±13 <0.001
DBP (mmHg) 75±11* 78±15 73±12† 81±7 89±11 <0.01
TC (mg/dl) 198±20 184±43 186±33 196±46 208±30 0.44
HDLC (mg/dl) 62±8* 63±18* 57±15 53±22 45±7 <0.05
Smoking (Yes/No) 2/8 6/5 8/8 4/9 5/8 0.44
b/a –0.64±0.08† –0.55±0.11 –0.53±0.18 –0.45±0.11 –0.46±0.11 <0.001
d/a –0.25±0.07† –0.33±0.08 –0.36±0.12 –0.37±0.14 –0.40±0.12 <0.001
Female (–14–1) (2–4) (5–6) (7–9) (10–16)
Number 17 20 21 20 17
Age (years) 43±7§ 60±7* 66±6 66±7 67±7 <0.001
SBP (mmHg) 115±11§ 113±10§ 121±10§ 133±14 140±17 <0.001
DBP (mmHg) 73±9 68±9† 69±6† 75±11 79±11 <0.01
TC (mg/dl) 200±40 213±31 209±26 211±33 204±45 0.79
HDLC (mg/dl) 70±14§ 74±13§ 66±17§ 58±11† 43±9 <0.001
Smoking (Yes/No) 1/16 0/20 0/21 2/18 2/15 0.33
b/a –0.54±0.11§ –0.47±0.14* –0.39±0.09 –0.40±0.12 –0.36±0.11 <0.001
d/a –0.26±0.07§ –0.33±0.11† –0.40±0.09 –0.44±0.09 –0.44±0.11 <0.001

Presented values are the mean ± SD or number of subjects.
The range of the Framingham risk score in each quintile is shown in the parentheses.
§p<0.001, †p<0.01, and *p<0.05 vs the corresponding values in Q5. See Table 1 for abbreviations.

SDPTG indices in each gender are shown in Fig 2. In both sion analysis, such associations were still observed inde-
genders, the b/a positively correlated with the Framingham pendently of age in females (b/a; =0.32, p<0.01, d/a; =
risk score (rmale =0.43 and rfemale =0.54, both p<0.001) and –0.27, p<0.001), but not in males (b/a; =0.08, d/a; =
the d/a showed a negative correlation (rmale =–0.38, p<0.01 –0.02).
and rfemale =–0.58, p<0.001). In the multiple linear regres-


308 OTSUKA T et al.

Table 4 Ability of the SDPTG Indices to Discriminate High-Risk
Subjects for CHD

Cut-off value Sensitivity Specificity Accuracy
Male
b/a –0.53 0.85 0.58 0.64
Female
b/a –0.40 0.83 0.72 0.74
d/a –0.39 0.59 0.60 0.60

CHD, coronary heart disease. Other abbreviation see in Table 1.

Those of the b/a and d/a in females were 0.73 (95% CI:
0.60–0.86) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56–0.80), respectively. In
regard to the d/a in males, the AUC (0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–
0.81) did not show significance; therefore, its discrimina-
tory ability and corresponding cut-off point were not
analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy for
the discrimination of the high-risk subjects for CHD and
the corresponding cut-off values are noted in Table 4. The
b/a showed discriminatory performance with a sensitivity
and specificity of more than 0.8 and 0.7 in females, and
more than 0.8 and approximately 0.6 in males, respective-
ly. However, both the sensitivity and specificity of the d/a
in females were approximately 0.6. The accuracy of these
indices ranged from 0.60 to 0.74.

Discussion
The present study showed that the SDPTG indices inde-
pendently associated with several coronary risk factors and
significantly correlated with the Framingham risk score.
Moreover, we found that the b/a, one of the SDPTG indices,
might contribute to the discrimination of the high-risk sub-
jects for CHD with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity
Fig 3. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the second in the general population. These observations suggest that
derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram indices for the discrimi- the SDPTG indices reflect the risk of CHD and that the
nation of high-risk subjects for coronary heart disease in males (Top) measurement of these indices might be useful in terms of
and in females (Bottom). The 95% confidence interval of the area cardiovascular preventive medicine.
under the ROC curve (AUC) are shown in the parentheses. The b/a in Several investigators have studied the physiological
both genders and the d/a in females revealed significant discrimina-
tory performance. meanings and clinical implications of the SDPTG wave-
form.19–21,25 The ‘b’ wave on the SDPTG mainly expresses
the first vascular response to blood ejection from the left
Coronary Risk Factors and SDPTG Indices in Each ventricle and no reflected components from the periphery
Quintile interfere. Imanaga et al reported the relationship between
The subjects who showed a Framingham risk score of the b/a and the distensibility of the carotid artery, suggest-
9 or more points in males (n=13) and 10 or more points in 25
ing that the b/a reflects the stiffness of large arteries. In
females (n=17) were classified into the highest quintile and contrast, the ‘d’ wave mainly represents the intensity of the
were considered to be high-risk subjects for CHD. The reflection wave from the periphery, which is determined by
SDPTG indices and the coronary risk factors contributing the functional vascular tension and arteriolosclerosis in the
to the calculation of the risk score (except for diabetes) in peripheral circulation, thus indicating vascular resistance.
each quintile are listed in Table 3. Although TC and smok- Indeed, Takazawa et al reported that the d/a significantly
ing did not show a difference in the quintiles, age, SBP, correlated with the aortic AIx, which partially suggests
DBP, and HDLC in the lowest and/or second quintile(s) peripheral vascular resistance. 19,21,30 The d/a, therefore,
were significantly lower (or higher) than those parameters might represent such vascular properties.
in the highest quintile in both genders. In regard to the In the present study, the b/a was positively associated
SDPTG indices, both the b/a and d/a in the lowest quintile with age whereas the d/a was inversely associated with
in males and the lowest and second quintiles in females age. Aging increases both large arterial stiffness and vas-
were significantly different from those in the highest quin- 31
cular resistance. These results, therefore, suggest that an
tile. elevated b/a and a reduced d/a on the SDPTG reflect an
increase in large arterial stiffness and peripheral vascular
Discrimination of High-Risk Subjects for CHD resistance, respectively. In multivariate analyses, however,
The ROC curves of the SDPTG indices to discriminate SBP was an independent determinant of the b/a, but not the
the high-risk subjects in each gender are described in Fig 3. d/a. Moreover, gender was also an independent determi-
The AUC of the b/a in males was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54–0.84). nant of the b/a, whereas there was no relationship between



gender and the d/a, even in univariate analysis. Recently, Third, the number of subjects that participated in the pres-
Hashimoto et al reported significant associations of both ent study was small for an epidemiological survey. In this
SBP and gender with the d/a, as well as the b/a in the gen- regard, the smaller number of male participants might have
24
eral population. Although precise reasons for this in- resulted in a lower specificity of the b/a and the lack of
consistency are not clear, one possibility is that the number discriminatory ability of the d/a, as well as the lack of asso-
of subjects that participated in the present study was ciations between the SDPTG indices and the Framingham
smaller than that in the study by Hashimoto et al. 24 risk score independent of age, in males. Regardless of these
It is beyond doubt that a comprehensive risk assessment limitations, we believe that the present study deserves to
in each individual for the future development of CHD is report as the first study, to our knowledge, concerning the
important for the primary prevention of cardiovascular association between the SDPTG and the risk of CHD in the
32
disease. Therefore, the Framingham risk score has been general population.
developed as one of the appropriate tools of the compre- In conclusion, the SDPTG indices significantly associ-
hensive risk assessment of CHD in the USA. Recently,26 ated not only with several coronary risk factors, but also
Suka et al reported that the incidence of CHD gradually with the Framingham risk score in subjects without appar-
increased with an increase in the Framingham risk score in ent atherosclerotic disorders at the time of health examina-
33
the Japanese population. These observations indicate that tion. Furthermore, the b/a screened subjects at risk of CHD
this score is applicable to the estimation of the individual’s with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. These results
CHD risk in Japan. Meanwhile, numerous studies have suggest that the measurement of SDPTG is useful for the
reported that the pulse-wave velocity (PWV), AIx, and PP, estimation of the risk of CHD in the general population.
all of which are major surrogate markers of arterial stiff- However, further studies with a larger number of partici-
ness, are associated with cardiovascular risk4–11 and inde- pants are needed to confirm these results.
pendently predict mortality and morbidity from CHD. 12–18
Furthermore, Yamashina et al recently showed that an Acknowledgments
increased brachial-ankle PWV was an independent deter- We are thankful to Dr Masakazu Takahashi and the colleagues in our
minant of moderate- to high-risk subjects for CHD based department for their cooperation in collecting the data.
on the Framingham risk score in Japanese subjects. Their 4
report indicates an association between arterial stiffness References
and the Framingham risk score in the Japanese population.
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