Focusing on single ratio-based metrics or differences in cardiovascular investigations results in lost information, highlighting the need for complementary metrics with additive physiological value.
Cardiovascular investigations often involve ratio-based metrics or differences: ejection fraction, arterial pressure augmentation index, coronary fractional flow reserve, pulse pressure. Focusing on a single number (ratio or difference) implies that information is lost. The lost companions constitute a well-defined but thus far unrecognized class, having additive value, a physical dimension, and often a physiological meaning. Physiologists should play a prominent role in exploring these complementary avenues and also define alternatives.
Kerkhof et al. (Wed,) reported a review. Focusing on single ratio-based metrics or differences in cardiovascular investigations results in lost information, highlighting the need for complementary metrics with additive physiological value.