Analogy of Wrist Pulse Signals in the Context of ECG Signals

Abstract

Modern medical practices use different tools and procedures to observe pulse rate, heart rate variability, speed of pulse, blood pressure (BP), blood flowing rate in arteries, volume, etc. Years ago, in ancient medical practice like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TMC), wrist pulse or radial pulse of the subject in consideration is checked to diagnose health conditions. Both wrist pulse diagnosis and ECG are non-invasive methods for assessing the health of a person. Wrist pulse is caused by cardiovascular activities, and thus, it can be correlated with the electrocardiography (ECG). In biomedical signals, ECGs represent electric activity of the heart. The rate at which a heart beats is pulse rate. The pulse movement is due to flow of blood in vessels. The parameters like rhythm, strength, hardness or softness, transition period, and change in rate of heartbeat can be measured. This may be helpful in diagnosis of cardiac and non-cardiac diseases.