Wireless monitoring and analysis of PPG signal for assessment of cardiovascular system in real time

In the present work a simple, non-invasive and portable electro-optical based wireless real-time PPG monitoring system has been developed. The system can be used for monitoring of patient's health status specially those of disabled and suffering from cardiovascular diseases. It records variations in the volume of blood with each heart beat resulting in the form of signal called photoplethysmogram (PPG). System consists of light source and photo-detector packed in the form of probe, fitted to patient's index finger. For remote monitoring of PPG signals, a ZigBee wireless technology is used. The PPG contain rich information about cardiovascular and respiratory systems. From PPG, parameters like pulse rate (PR), average pulse rate (APR), pulse rate variability (PRV) and frequency spectrum were determined for diagnostic purpose. System monitors the patient's health conditions without restricting their movements, hence can be extended beyond hospital limits. Thus, physician can monitor the patient's health status remotely.