Applanation tonometry for evaluation of the haemodynamic response to the active orthostatic test

Pulse wave analysis provided new knowledge concerning the age-related hemodynamic response pattern to active orthostasis. We believe the underlying mechanism was the 'physiological' arterial stiffening with aging and the ensuing reduced arterial baroreflex sensitivity. HRV data for lesser sympathetic activation in response to the orthostatic challenge in the 60-Y/O group supported this assumption.