A Case Study Using Photoplethysmography

Photoplethsmygraphy (PPG) is a noninvasive study in which to measure blood volume changes throughout the body. This is done by placing a probe on the skins surface, most commonly on fingers, ears or toes. PPG is used most commonly in the clinical setting for patient monitoring of blood oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure. PPG insists that there is abnormal flow somewhere in the patient’s body and therefore further procedures must be done. The patient in our case study showed history of high blood pressure and his PPG levels in his right leg showed a decrease compared to the temperature in his left leg, thus resulting from a constriction of blood flow in the right leg due to hypertension.