EPROM-based heartbeat monitor using optical biomedical engineering technique

In Nigeria, manual methods of heartbeat monitoring are commonly used which are subject to a number of human errors and problems.

This paper describes the development of a noninvasive EPROM based heartbeat monitor using optical biomedical engineering technique to detect and count the user's heartbeat digitally as well as provide a visual indication of the result obtained.

This design and construction work employed the optical biomedical engineering technique in which tiny subcutaneous blood vessels in any patch of skin preferably the fingers furnished with a good supply of blood alternately expand and contract in time with the heartbeat. The optical sensors were planted in a peg which provides firm grip of the finger tip to sense these contraction and expansion processes.

The results of the tests carried out on fingers of different individuals at rest showed that the thumb, middle finger and forefinger responded more accurately to the heartbeat measurements taken. The thickness of the individual's fingers contributed greatly to the accuracy of the measurement taken.

The EPROM based heartbeat monitor is a very efficient tool for monitoring the heartbeat of patients. However, its efficiency is determined by the thickness of the individual's finger.