Real Time Monitoring of Arterial Pulse Waveform Parameters Using Low Cost, Non-invasive Force Transducer

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is currently the biggest single cause of mortality in the developed world (Alty, IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 54:2268–2275, 2007) [1], (Clerk Maxwell, A treatise on electricity and magnetism, Clarendon, 1892) [2]. Hence, the early detection of its onset is vital for effective prevention. Aortic stiffness as measured by aortic Pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been shown to be an important predictor of Cardiovascular disease. However, the measurement of the same is complex and time consuming (Alty, IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 54:2268–2275, 2007) [1], (Clerk Maxwell, A treatise on electricity and magnetism, Clarendon, 1892) [2]. This paper presents a simple, low-cost, speedy and non-invasive method using Force Sensing Resistors (FSR) strategically placed over the Carotid and Radial arteries to evaluate various arterial wave pulse parameters like heart-rate, Stiffness Index (SI), Reflectivity Index (RI) and Pulse Wave velocity. The pulse rate and shape is used as an estimate of heart-rate. This is used for diagnosis of arrhythmias, tachycardia and bradycardia. The proposed method could be employed as a cheap and effective Cardiovascular disease screening technique, to be later integrated with small wrist watch-like monitors for suitable commercial purposes.