The feasibility of applying photoplethysmography technology for measuring central arterial stiffness-a pilot study

We aimed to develop a novel two-channel approach allowing estimation of vascular blood flow resistance by analysis of time shifts between the photoplethysmography pulses detected at the common carotid and femoral artery. Two photodiode sensors were positioned on the carotid and femoral artery. Pulse waves were recorded continuously for 15 seconds and the difference in pulse wave transit time between the carotid artery and femoral artery was calculated. The carotid femoral pulse transit time was 71.2ms ([IQR] 64.6, 85.7) and pulse transit time using the photoplethysmography method correlated significantly with the reference method (SphygmoCor(r)) (r=0.85; p =0.049). Our preliminary results showed that the photoplethysmography technology is acceptable to patients and is applicable as point of care testing for general population screening.