First Insights into Sensor-Based Ballistocardiographic Measurements in Patients with Heart Failure
Marie Cathrine Pickert1, Udo Bavendiek2, Samira Soltani2
1Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Insights
Researchers developed an accelerometer sensor to record seismocardiography (SCG) and ballistocardiography (BCG) signals in chronic heart failure patients. The study demonstrated recognizable SCG and BCG patterns, paving the way for non-invasive heart failure monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Wearable Sensor Technology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) poses significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burdens.
- Non-invasive monitoring methods are crucial for managing chronic HF.
- Ballistocardiography (BCG) and seismocardiography (SCG) offer potential for HF assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an accelerometer-based sensor system for capturing BCG and SCG signals.
- To assess the feasibility of using these signals for monitoring chronic heart failure patients.
- To explore the potential of BCG and SCG for early HF detection and management.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel accelerometer-based sensor system for BCG and SCG signal acquisition.
- Conducted a feasibility study with ten chronic heart failure patients.
- Recorded triaxial accelerometer and reference ECG data during rest, six-minute walk tests, and recovery, followed by signal preprocessing (calibration, band-pass filtering).
Main Results:
- The developed sensor system successfully recorded interpretable BCG and SCG signals.
- Recognizable patterns within the SCG and BCG signals were observed in chronic heart failure patients.
- Feasibility of using accelerometer-based BCG and SCG for HF monitoring was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometer-based BCG and SCG signal acquisition is feasible in chronic heart failure patients.
- The study provides a foundation for developing non-invasive HF monitoring tools.
- Future research will focus on algorithm applicability and signal variations based on patient factors and activity.
Abstract:
Heart failure significantly impacts morbidity, mortality, physical functionality, and quality of life, presenting a high financial burden to healthcare systems. Early detection through non-invasive methods like ballistocardiography (BCG) and seismocardiography (SCG) can help monitor disease progression. Within our research, we developed an accelerometer-based sensor system for recording BCG and SCG signals and conducted a feasibility study with ten chronic heart failure patients. For each patient, seven triaxial accelerometers and a reference ECG recorded data during rest, a six-minute walk test, and recovery phases. Signal preprocessing involved calibration and band-pass filtering to obtain interpretable data. The resulting signals show recognizable SCG and BCG patterns. Future work will test the applicability of existing heart failure assessment algorithms to these new signals and investigate differences according to sensor position, physical exertion and NYHA classification.
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