Mapping Arterial Waveform Fractality: A Comparative Analysis Between Fractal and Gold-Standard Vascular Health Metrics in Multiple Arterial Sites

Exploring the intricate dynamics of Cardiovascular Health (CVH), this study delves into the relationship between Carotid-to-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (PWVcf) and Age, gold-standard metrics for Arterial Stiffness (AS), and fractal analysis. Through a comprehensive analysis of Higuchi's Fractal Dimension (HFD) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) across Aortic Root, Carotid, Femoral, and Digital arterial sites, correlations and variations are systematically uncovered. The findings reveal significant associations between HFD, DFA, PWVcf, and Age, shedding light on the complex mechanisms underlying AS. Notably, HFD and DFA revealed to be candidate biomarkers for AS assessment. These insights not only deepen our understanding of CVH but also underscore the importance of peripheral arteries in AS assessment. Furthermore, they pave the way for novel approaches to CVH monitoring, with potential implications for early detection and intervention strategies.