Indian scientists have developed a new method of measuring cholesterol in the human body based on the analysis of a photo of his hand. The method is described in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics.
Cheap and non-invasive technology can replace existing blood tests and allow a much larger group of people to be diagnosed.
It is enough to photograph the top of the patient’s hand with a digital camera, and then let a special computer program compare the photo with other photos in the database and on this basis determine the amount of cholesterol in the patient’s body.
Cholesterol is necessary for man to produce hormones and build new cells. However, elevated cholesterol also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Excess substances build up on the inside of the arteries, reducing blood flow, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and an increased likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
The greatest danger is the so-called bad cholesterol, or LDL (low-density lipoprotein). In addition, the body also contains good HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides.
It is important to estimate the proportion of the types of cholesterol in the human body when testing. Only then can the patient’s health be accurately assessed.
Researchers at the Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology in India intend to publish soon additional details of the cholesterol measurement method based on a photograph of a hand, which will help to take into account the content of a given type of cholesterol in the body. (PAP)
ooo/ agt/