Cardiorespiratory polygraphy is the “measurement of sleep”, so to say. The sleep of the patient is recorded at different levels for at least six hours in the patient’s home environment. The multi-dimensional examination is associated with only a few restrictions, comparable to those of long-term ECG monitoring.
The following parameters are recorded:
- Changes in electrical potentials (ECG)
- Air flow at mouth and nose
- Oxygen saturation of the blood
- Body position
- Thoracic and abdominal respiration
In some cases, video is also recorded. All measurement values are stored in a small device and then read out in the doctor’s practice.
Polygraphy can be used in particular to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, in which the patient occasionally stops breathing. This lowers the oxygen content in the blood, can increase the pulse and prevents restful deep sleep.