Laser diode vibrometry for non-contact monitoring of the arterial stiffness: Detection of the heart beat and measurement of the pulse wave velocity

The monitoring of the heart beat and other parameters related to the cardiovascular system is required in the clinical context to perform the diagnosis of many dysfunctions and pathologies, such as arteriosclerosis or diabetes. By analyzing the shape of the heart pulse wave and how it changes during the propagation in the arterial tree, a comprehensive diagnosis of the arterial hardening and thickening can be obtained. Nowadays, different diagnostic tools are currently used. Some of these techniques, like cardiac catheterism, are invasive, whereas others are not. The most widespread and less invasive techniques used are electrocardiography (ECG) and tonometry, with the latter suffering from poor accuracy and sensitivity.