Photoplethysmography as a Potential Alternative to Electrocardiography for Recording Heart Rate Intervals Used in Variability Analysis

摘要

This study investigates the use of photoplethysmography (PPG) as a comfortable alternative to electrocardiography (ECG) for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Although HRV is typically analyzed from an ECG trace, PPG poses a likely alternative, as arterial pulsations and peripheral tissue perfusion (as measured by PPG) are coupled with cardiac electrical activity (as measured by ECG). PPG may be more desirable in some clinical circumstances, as a fingertip optical sensor is more comfortable for patients than ECG electrodes, and can reduce waste by not needing to be disposed after each use.