ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. Moreover, various acronyms are used to represent the term “photoplethysmogram signals” in the literature, such as PTG and DVP. Standard terminology and acronym usage is required to minimize the disconnect between researchers and disciplines, and to create knowledge cohesiveness. Moreover, it improves the searchability of all related publications in the field, facilitating an optimized and focused use of current data and information, therefore enriching the research process. PPG signal data collection and analysis is easy to set up, and is convenient, simple, and economically efficient. Typically, a probe (recently, PPG has been measured via smartwatches and smartphones) is used that contains a light source and a detector to detect cardio-vascular pulse waves that propagate through the body. The low-cost and simplistic manner of this optically based technology could offer significant benefits to health care (e.g. in primary care where non-invasive, accurate, and simple-to-use diagnostic techniques are desirable).
