What does plethysmography measure?

Plethysmography measures volume changes within an organ or a body part. This technique is particularly useful in assessing changes in blood volume within various tissues, providing critical information about vascular health and function.

When a plethysmography test is performed, it can indicate variations in blood circulation and help detect issues such as venous insufficiency or arterial abnormalities. The method works on the premise that when blood volume increases in a particular area, it can be detected and quantified, which helps clinicians make informed decisions about patient care.

In contrast, heart rate refers to the number of beats per minute and is monitored through methods such as electrocardiography. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, typically recorded with a sphygmomanometer. Blood flow velocity assesses the speed of blood moving through vessels, often measured using Doppler ultrasound techniques. However, all these metrics focus on different parameters of cardiovascular health, whereas plethysmography specifically targets changes in volume, making it a unique and valuable diagnostic tool.