ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to initiate and stimulate discussion of the physical sensors used to obtain significant information on cardiovascular function. It provides a representative example of the broad applications of physical sensors in a specific specialty area. The selected examples of cardiovascular measurements have been grouped into three primary areas. First is force and its spatial or structural distribution as tension, pressure and stress, and the proportional displacement of strain. Second is the determination of volumes and the movement of fluids and structures, an aspect also including sound. The third area includes the biopotentials and electrical activity, and the thermal processes underlying all cardiovascular function, since the emphasis is on sampling of physical-mechanical events. In addition to the ultrasonic transmission data cited, direct and transcutaneous application of the reflectance mode, or echo-location, for calculation of volumes is widespread in animals and humans.
