New photoplethysmographic signal analysis algorithm for arterial stiffness estimation.

The ability to identify premature arterial stiffening is of considerable value in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The "ageing index" (AGI), which is calculated from the second derivative photoplethysmographic (SDPPG) waveform, has been used as one method for arterial stiffness estimation and the evaluation of cardiovascular ageing. In this study, the new SDPPG analysis algorithm is proposed with optimal filtering and signal normalization in time. The filter parameters were optimized in order to achieve the minimal standard deviation of AGI, which gives more effective differentiation between the levels of arterial stiffness. As a result, the optimal low-pass filter edge frequency of 6 Hz and transitionband of 1 Hz were found, which facilitates AGI calculation with a standard deviation of 0.06. The study was carried out on 21 healthy subjects and 20 diabetes patients. The linear relationship (r = 0.91) between each subject's age and AGI was found, and a linear model with regression line was constructed. For diabetes patients, the mean AGI value difference from the proposed model y AGI was found to be 0.359. The difference was found between healthy and diabetes patients groups with significance level of P < 0.0005.

The effect of local cold and warm exposure on index finger photoplethysmographic signal waveform.

The study was carried out in order to analyse the changes in photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal waveform, which are caused by cold and warm stimulation. The study was carried out on 7 subjects. The right hand was immersed in cold and warm water up to the wrist during the experiment. The PPG signal was registered from right hand index finger. As a reference, the temperatures of index finger and pulse transit time (PTT) values were measured. A correlation of r = -0.70 was found between normalised slope of the PPG signal and the subject's age. The normalised slope increased noticeably due to the cold and decreased due to the warm water stimulation. It was opposite to the expected results with PTTs and the behaviour has to be investigated in future studies.

An experimental measurement complex for probable estimation of arterial stiffness.

Current work is a part of long term research, which aim is to study the possibilities to diagnose the atherosclerosis in early stadium by using pulse wave velocity and its waveform analysis. The mobile experimental measurement complex is built and technically tested for the long term study in hospital. Measurement complex consists of ten physiological signal recording channels and reference devices: Sphygmocor, Arteriograph, Finapres. The measurements with this complex are planned to carry out during six month on patients with different severity of coronary disease and diabetes.