Smart ring helps you monitor your heart and vascular health

In a study published in the journal PLOS Digital Health, researchers analyzed photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. This method uses light sensors to detect changes in blood volume in the body, which is a standard technology used in most modern fitness trackers. The study focused on data collected using the Oura Ring, a smart ring worn by participants during their sleep. The choice of sleep time was made to minimize the impact of movement artifacts, which can distort data during the day.

To process the received signals, the research team used deep learning algorithms and traditional methods of analyzing the characteristics of the pulse wave. The vascular age prediction model showed a high degree of correlation with the actual age of the participants and the results of clinical sensors attached to the fingertips. The average absolute error of the measurements ranged from six to seven years. An important confirmation of the method’s validity was the statistical relationship between the calculated vascular age and the participants’ blood pressure readings.

The scientific significance of the work also lies in the use of an independent analytical pipeline. Scientists have developed and validated their own data processing algorithms, without relying on the closed-source software of the device manufacturer. This approach ensures the transparency of the research and allows for the reproducibility of the results in other scientific projects. This confirms the possibility of integrating consumer electronics into the evidence-based medicine system for long-term monitoring of cardiovascular health.

The transfer of vascular health monitoring from clinical settings to everyday life opens up opportunities for early detection of cardiological risks. The ability to collect data passively over an extended period allows for tracking the dynamics of age-related changes and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures or lifestyle adjustments. In the future, the authors plan to conduct additional studies on more representative population samples to confirm the applicability of the developed models in various ethnic and age groups, as well as to determine the role of these data in clinical decision-making.