This study assesses the utility of photoplethysmography (PPG) as a non-invasive method
to evaluate cardiac function, addressing the critical need for accessible biomarkers
in various cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure management.By conducting
simultaneous echocardiography and PPG measurements on 37 healthy volunteers, we analyzed
both traditional and novel composite pulse wave scores to correlate peripheral PPG
data with central echocardiographic outcomes.Our results show a good correlation between
PPG-based and echocardiography-derived ejection times (r = 0.648, P < 0.001), though
Bland-Altmann analysis results reveal that PPG consistently overestimated ejection
times by a mean difference of +95 ms. Moreover, eleven PPG parameters significantly
correlated with key echocardiographic indicators of systolic and diastolic function,
such as left ventricular dimensions, global longitudinal strain, aortic functionality,
atrial contraction (MV-A), and ventricular filling pressure (E/e' lat) with clinical
relevance indicated by correlations (r) above 0.4 (P < 0.05).The findings pave the
way for further studies in various patient groups to explore the potential of PPG
in enhancing home monitoring and regular cardiovascular assessments. This work not
only broadens our understanding of the physiological relationships between peripheral
and central cardiovascular measures but also introduces innovative metrics that might
bring some added value to the current standards of patient care by facilitating early
detection and personalized management of heart conditions.
