Detection and Evaluation of Vascular Wall Elasticity using Photoplethysmography Signals in Sinus Rhythm Subjects

Objective: This study analyzes the dilation and constriction (elastic) properties of blood vessels using a non invasive Photoplethysmography method. The dilation and constriction of blood vessel changes as a function of aging which can be analyzed using the shape of Phototplethsymogram. Methods: A preliminary test is conducted in twenty sinus rhythm subjects in the range between 20 to 73 years. Findings: The parameters like peak ratio, time ratios, valley to peak ratio, stiffness index and augmentation index are the indices to determine the dilation and constriction properties of the blood vessels. Applications/Improvements: The above parameters are evaluated with the help of appropriate hardware and software. Neural networks is trained using these parameters to classify the level of elasticity, using which the abnormalities such as Atherosclerosis, aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation can be diagnosed.