
Similarly, the handheld ECG recorder is also based primarily on a mobile phone and mobile phone app interface. The variations in the light intensity are related to changes in the blood perfusion of the tissue, and based on these changes, heart-related information can be retrieved. Using a mobile app, the PPG sensor detects variations in light intensity via transmission through or reflection from the tissue (the reflectance and transmittance model).

#Cardiograph app for android skin#
PPG is an optical technique that detects heartbeats by analyzing changes in skin color and light absorption. Ĭurrently, mobile phone–based photoplethysmography (PPG) and handheld electrocardiograph (ECG) recorders are the 2 main concepts adopted in monitoring HR, HRV, and AF. However, there remains some ambiguity when it comes to the use of such apps in heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) because of the lack of reliable statistical tests used in studies and the lack of standardized recommendations from professional bodies in terms of screening and monitoring of these parameters, as highlighted by Pecchia et al recently. Previous research has reported the benefits of using mobile health in modifying behavior to improve cardiovascular health through dietary management, physical activity promotion, smoking cessation, weight control, blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and blood sugar measurement. Approximately 64% of adults possess a mobile phone in the United States, and 62% of mobile phone owners use their phones to access health information and obtain education about diseases and health conditions.

There are currently more than 100,000 available mobile health apps on iTunes and Google Play as well as more than 400 wearable activity monitors. These apps are designed to monitor cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and hypertension as well as to prevent and manage chronic conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF). Over the past years, there has been a significant increase in the number of mobile phone apps focusing on cardiovascular diseases.
