Development of a Wearable Pulse Transit Time Monitoring Device

Objectives: We have developed a non‐intrusive continuous PTT monitoring system, using a wearable device and wireless communication technology. Methods: Pulse transit time (PTT) is a non‐invasive measurement that shows promise in the continuous monitoring of blood pressure (BP) and the assessment of arterial stiffness. It has potential applications in wearable health monitoring devices. Generally, PTT is measured from the electrocardiogram (ECG) Rwave to a characteristic point on the peripheral pulse by photoplethysmography. However, for home healthcare applications, a system needs to be wearable and wireless. ECG and PPG were sampled at 1200 Hz and transmitted to a personal computer (PC) using Bluetooth communications. Heart rate (HR) and PTT were calculated by the PC from the signals received and waveforms of ECG, PPG, PTT and HR were displayed. Results: In this study, we implemented a system that could be adapted to the wrist and measured ECG and a Photoplethysmogram (PPG). Conclusions: The wearable continuous PTT monitoring system developed in this study could be useful in home cardiovascular healthcare. KCI Citation Count: 0