The Analysis of Transitions in Heart Rate Variability Obtained from Photo Plethysmograph – a Novel Insight into Asymmetry

Abstract

The photo-plethysmography (PPG) is a measuring method allowing for approachable analysis of heart rate. We have made an attempt of heart rate asymmetry (HRA) assessment from a PPG signal. 413 cardiac trace recordings of healthy young people obtained from an open database have been analyzed. We have used standard HRA descriptors and also evaluated the mean deceleration input (DI) into heart rate transitions to assess HRA in PPG. We have observed asymmetry in the majority of studied subjects (DI < 0.5 in 63.4 % of participants). The investigation of temporal variability in heart rate obtained with analysis of three consecutive heartbeat intervals is a valuable tool that may be helpful in the evaluation of autonomic nervous system performance.