Gothenburg, Sweden, Many heart disease patients who fail to get help, because the length of the diagnostic process should be done. Recent studies have found a special tool that can be used to detect heart disease even when people are sleeping.

A study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, found that use of special pulse oximeter attached to the fingers and can be used to detect changes in cardiac and vascular function during sleep.

Researchers say, this simple technique can even identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.

In the study, researchers used a modified version of the pulse oximeter that is currently used to detect various sleep disorders at night, such as apnea.

This research is based on measurement of five components of the signal from the finger, the pulse wave attenuation, accelerated pulse rate, pulse propagation time, pulse oscillation related to respiration and oxygen desaturation.

“We then weigh these components in the model to assess how much risk of patients developing cardiovascular disease,” said Ludger Grote, a professor at the Center for Sleep and Vigilance Disorders at the Sahlgrenska Academy and senior consultant at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, as reported by medicalnewstoday.

According to Grote, this method can identify patients at high risk of heart disease more quickly and more easily. It is expected that also can be used to assess the effects of treatment for cardiovascular disease, such as how weight loss and exercise can help prevent blood vessel problems.

The research team is now developing a prototype for future portable devices that can be used clinically. Before you can begin to use, larger studies are needed to confirm the results. Grote said the team had started the process.