Fiber-optic sensor applications to non-invasive cardiovascular diagnosis

Fiber-optic sensors were designed and applied to assess arterial blood pressure pulse transmission characteristics and elastic properties in normal and hypertensive subjects. Apparent phase velocity (c/sub app/) from carotid to radial arteries were obtained and showed higher magnitudes at low frequencies and sustained oscillations at high frequencies in hypertensives due to greater impedance mismatch. These sensors are of light weight, good frequency response and sensitivity suitable for routine cardiovascular diagnosis.