This study analyses the photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal waveform rising front in order to discriminate subjects with premature increase in arterial ageing. As a reference measure for the evaluation of the arterial system, the aortic augmentation index (AIx@75) was calculated using a SphygmoCor device. The study was carried out on 24 healthy subjects and 20 diabetes patients. Negative correlation relationships (r = – 0.68 and r = – 0.77) were found between the age and the slopes of the PPG signal. Significant differences were found between the healthy controls and diabetes patients. The highest difference between the two groups was found using the advanced signal processing algorithm for the slope calculation. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the method were 85%, 88%, and 86%, respectively. We conclude that the PPG technology with the advanced signal processing algorithm can be used for the discrimination of subjects with increased arterial ageing. This method gives the possibility to diagnose cardiovascular diseases in an early stadium.
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