A novel method for measurement of pulse wave velocity by dual-channel photoplethysmography

Arterial stiffness is an important determinant of cardiovascular risk and can be assessed by a number of methods, including measurement of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the arterial distensibility. It reveals the relationship between the elasticity of vessel and pulse propagated through arterial wall. Ultrasound sensor and pressure sensor can be used to measure PWV more directly and efficiently. However, expensive equipment and professional operations are necessary for the high-cost methods above. The purpose of the present study was to develop a convenient and reliable PWV measurement device. The new-developed system was used to measure PWV of subject without connection of personal computer. The system has 2 major advantages: (1) DSP-based system would decrease the measurement time by using simple operation procedures; (2) It is cost-reduced as timing acquisition can be obtained without 3 electrocardiogram leads. The reproducibility of the system was demonstrated by the experimental result of this study.