Detector system and detection method for detecting worsening cardiac function decline

Abstract

This invention provides a detector system and detection method for detecting the worsening of cardiac function. [Solution] A detector system for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function includes a sensor (102), such as a gyroscope, configured to generate a measurement signal when it is in motion-sensing relationship with an individual's jugular vein (105). The detector system includes a processing system (101) configured to receive the measurement signal and a memory system (103) communicably connected to the processing system. Since changes in the behavior of jugular vein pressure can indicate the progression of cardiac function decline, the processing system is configured to compare first data stored in the memory system, which is first data based on a previously generated measurement signal and second data based on a later generated measurement signal, and to form index data indicating the worsening of cardiac function decline based on the comparison between the first data and the second data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a detector system and a detection method for detecting the worsening of cardiac function. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a computer program for detecting the worsening of cardiac function. [Background technology]

[0002] Cardiovascular abnormalities, if not diagnosed and properly treated and / or improved, can gradually impair an individual's health. For example, pulmonary hypertension (PAH) often indicates an early stage of worsening cardiac function, which typically occurs 3 to 4 weeks after the onset of pulmonary hypertension. Because pulmonary hypertension can often predict the worsening cardiac function stage at a very early stage, conventional signs of cardiac dysfunction, such as weight gain and elevated blood pressure, are usually not present. Cardiac dysfunction diagnosed at an early stage can often be treated and / or improved, thereby significantly reducing mortality and the need for hospitalization.

[0003] Abbott Laboratories, a company based in Chicago, USA, has developed a system for detecting the worsening of cardiac function. This system comprises a micromechanical sensor and a receiver that receives measurement data from the micromechanical sensor. The micromechanical sensor is placed in the pulmonary artery, passing through the right side of the heart. Therefore, Abbott Laboratories' method for detecting the worsening of cardiac function is invasive. The receiver in Abbott Laboratories' system can be placed, for example, on the patient's bed. When the patient lies in bed, the micromechanical sensor transmits measurement data via the receiver to a cloud service. This measurement data may indicate pulmonary hypertension (PAH), often showing early signs of the worsening of cardiac function.

[0004] The invasive methods described above carry inherent risks associated with the necessity of invasive surgery on the human body. Furthermore, some invasive methods can only be used during surgical procedures. On the other hand, non-invasive methods based on Doppler ultrasound measurement require expensive equipment and skilled, experienced testing staff. Therefore, there is a need for non-invasive systems and methods to detect the worsening of cardiac dysfunction. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview The following is a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of several aspects of various embodiments of the invention. This overview is not a detailed overview of the invention, nor is it intended to identify any major or important elements of the invention, nor to limit its scope. The following overview merely presents some of the concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a preliminary step to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0006] In this book, the term "geometric," used as a prefix, refers to geometric concepts that are not necessarily part of a physical object. Geometric concepts include, for example, geometric points, geometric lines (straight or curved), geometric planes, non-planar geometric surfaces, geometric spaces, or other geometric entities in zero, one, two, or three dimensions.

[0007] The present invention provides a novel detector system for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. The detector system according to the present invention is A processing system configured to receive measurement signals, A sensor, such as a gyroscope, is configured to generate a measurement signal when it is in motion-sensing relationship with an individual's jugular vein "JV" (Latin: vena jugularis). It comprises a processing system and a memory system that is connected to it in a communicative manner.

[0008] The processing system is The first data stored in the memory system is compared with the first data based on the first portion of the measurement signal that was generated earlier, and the second data based on the second portion of the measurement signal that was generated later. Based on a comparison between the first and second sets of data, indicator data showing the worsening of cardiac function decline is formed. It is structured in this way.

[0009] Because the jugular vein is directly connected to the right atrium of the heart, fluctuations in jugular venous pressure are caused by changes in blood flow and pressure changes due to the filling and contraction of the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. This opens the door to non-invasive examinations targeting the right side of the heart, i.e., the right ventricle and right atrium, based on changes in the behavior of jugular venous pressure. In the system according to the present invention, possible changes in the behavior of jugular venous pressure are stored in a memory system and detected by comparing a first data based on the previously generated portion of the measurement signal with a second data based on the later generated portion of the measurement signal. In addition to the first and second portions of the measurement signal mentioned above, it is possible to generate third, fourth, and other portions of the measurement signal, thereby enabling the progression of cardiac function decline over time.

[0010] The sensor described above is advantageously a rotational sensor that is placed against an individual's skin and has a motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein. The rotational sensor is advantageously positioned so that one end is closer to the jugular vein than the other end. Therefore, fluctuations in jugular vein pressure cause more movement at the first end of the rotational sensor than at the last end, and this difference manifests as rotational motion of the rotational sensor. Movements that are substantially the same amplitude and direction across the entire skin area covered by the rotational sensor, regardless of jugular vein pressure, do not cause significant rotational motion of the rotational sensor, but only translational motion; therefore, these movements do not produce a significant signal component in the rotational sensor's output signal. Thus, a rotational sensor measuring rotation is less sensitive to many movements unrelated to jugular vein pressure fluctuations than, for example, an accelerometer measuring translational motion.

[0011] According to the present invention, a new method for non-invasively detecting the deterioration of cardiac function is also provided. The method according to the present invention includes generating a measurement signal with a sensor related to the movement perception of an individual's jugular vein, comparing, in a memory system, first data based on a first portion generated earlier in the measurement signal with second data based on a second portion generated later in the measurement signal, forming index data indicating the deterioration of cardiac function based on the comparison between the first data and the second data.

[0012] According to the present invention, a new computer program for controlling a programmable data processing system is also provided for detecting the deterioration of cardiac function. This computer program causes the programmable data processing system to receive a measurement signal from a sensor suitable for generating the measurement signal when related to the movement perception of an individual's jugular vein, store in a memory system first data based on a first portion generated earlier in the measurement signal, compare the first data with second data based on a second portion generated later in the measurement signal, form index data indicating the deterioration of cardiac function based on the comparison between the first data and the second data and includes computer-executable instructions for controlling in such a manner.

[0013] According to the present invention, a new computer program product is also provided. This computer program product includes a non-volatile computer-readable medium, such as a compact disc "CD", encoded with the computer program according to the present invention.

[0014] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are described in the appended dependent claims.

[0015] Various exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments relating to both the structure and the method of operation, along with their additional purposes and advantages, will be best understood from the following description relating to specific exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] In this specification, the verbs “comprise” and “include” are used as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of uncited features.

[0017] The features described in the attached dependent claims may be freely combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0018] Furthermore, please understand that the use of "a" or "an," i.e., the singular form, throughout this specification does not preclude the use of the plural form.

[0019] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments and their advantages are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a detector system according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows the function of a detector system according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b shows the function of a detector system according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates the function of a detector system according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments for non-invasively detecting worsening cardiac function, showing illustrative waveforms of jugular venous pressure (JVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG). [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a flowchart of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of a method for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Description of Exemplary and Non-Limitative Embodiments The specific examples provided in the following description should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the appended claims. The lists and groups of embodiments provided herein are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a detector system according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. The detector system comprises a sensor 102 configured to generate a measurement signal when the sensor 102 is in motion-sensing relationship with the jugular vein 105 of an individual 111. In the detector system illustrated in Figure 1, the sensor 102 is a rotation sensor, such as a gyroscope, and is configured to generate a measurement signal indicating the rotation of the rotation sensor when the rotation sensor is in contact with the individual's skin 104 so that the rotation sensor is in motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein 105. However, the sensor could also be an optical sensor suitable for optically measuring, for example, the movement caused by the jugular vein 105 on the skin 104. In part 106 of Figure 1, the direction perpendicular to the skin 104 is substantially parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system 199. In this exemplary case, the sensor 102 is part of a device 107 that is applied to the skin 104 of the individual 111. The device 107 could be, for example, a mobile phone. The detector system includes a processing system 101 configured to receive measurement signals from sensor 102. Furthermore, the detector system includes a memory system 103 that is communicatively connected to the processing system 101. In this exemplary case, the memory system 103 is implemented as a cloud service within an external data network 108.

[0023] Because the jugular vein 105 is directly connected to the right atrium of the heart, fluctuations in jugular venous pressure (JVP) are caused by changes in blood flow and pressure changes resulting from the filling and contraction of the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart. This opens the door to non-invasive examinations targeting the right side of the heart, i.e., the right ventricle and right atrium, based on changes in the behavior of jugular venous pressure. To detect possible changes in the behavior of jugular venous pressure, the processing system 101 is configured to compare first data stored in the memory system 103, which is based on a first portion of the measurement signal that is generated earlier, with second data, which is based on a second portion of the measurement signal that is generated later. Furthermore, the processing system 101 is configured to form index data indicating the worsening of cardiac dysfunction based on the comparison between the first and second data. The device 107 may include, for example, a display for presenting the index data to the user. The display is not shown in Figure 1. The device may also be configured to transmit the index data to the data network 108. The first and second data described above can be defined in different ways based on the first and second portions of the measurement signal. Several embodiments are shown below, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0024] In the detection system according to exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments, sensor 102 is a rotation sensor configured to measure the angular velocity ω of a rotation sensor. In this exemplary case, the first data is the peak value ω of the angular velocity in the first measurement. max1 This can be done, and the second data is the peak value of the angular velocity ω in the second measurement performed after the first measurement. max2 This can be done. The processing system 101 processes the peak value ω max2 The peak value is ω max1 The system is configured to set indicator data representing the worsening of cardiac function decline depending on the situation in which the threshold is exceeded by a predetermined margin.

[0025] In a detection system according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, sensor 102 is a rotational sensor configured to measure the angular acceleration α of a rotational sensor, and processing system 101 is configured to calculate the time integral of the angular acceleration α and estimate the angular velocity ω as a function of time t. [Number] Here, t0 is the start point of the measurement period under consideration. In this exemplary case, the first data can be the peak value ω of the angular velocity in the first measurement. max1 The second data can be the peak value ω of the angular velocity in the second measurement performed after the first measurement. max2 The processing system 101 is configured to set index data indicating deterioration of cardiac function decline in response to a situation where the peak value ω max2 exceeds the peak value ω max1 with a predetermined margin.

[0026] In a detection system according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, sensor 102 is a three-axis gyroscope, and processing system 101 is configured to calculate the total angular velocity of the three-axis gyroscope according to the following formula. [Number] Here, ω xyz (t) is the total angular velocity as a function of time t, ω x is the angular velocity measured by the three-axis gyroscope around the geometric axis parallel to the x-axis of the coordinate system 199, ω y is the angular velocity measured by the three-axis gyroscope around the geometric axis parallel to the y-axis of the coordinate system 199, ω z is the angular velocity measured by the three-axis gyroscope around the geometric axis parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system 199. In this exemplary case, the first data can be the peak value ω of the calculated total angular velocity in the first measurement. xyzmax1 The second data can be the peak value ω of the calculated total angular velocity in the second measurement performed after the first measurement. xyzmax2This can be done. The processing system 101 processes the peak value ω xyzmax2 The peak value is ω xyzmax1 The system is configured to set indicator data representing the worsening of cardiac function decline depending on the situation in which the threshold is exceeded by a predetermined margin.

[0027] In a detection system according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the processing system measures the angular displacement θ of a three-axis gyroscope according to the following equation. xyz It is configured to calculate (t).

number

[0028] In the detector system according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the processing system 101 is configured to receive electrical signals from electrodes 109 and 110 on the skin of an individual 111, and the processing system 101 is configured to generate an electrocardiogram (ECG) for each time interval of measurements performed by the sensor 102. The ECG signal can be used to improve the determination of the worsening phase of cardiac dysfunction.

[0029] The processing system 101 can be implemented, for example, by one or more processor circuits, each of which can be a programmable processor circuit with appropriate software, such as a dedicated hardware processor like an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a configurable hardware processor like a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Device 107 can also be configured to have a memory system so that it can operate autonomously without being connected to the data network 108. The memory system of device 107 can include, for example, one or more memory circuits such as random access memory (RAM) circuits.

[0030] Figure 2a shows a detector system according to an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, Figure 2a schematically shows the right side of the heart. The detector system comprises a sensor 202, for example, a gyroscope, configured to generate a measurement signal when the sensor 202 is in motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein 205. In Figure 2, the direction perpendicular to the skin 204 is substantially parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system 299. The detector system comprises a processing system 201 configured to receive the measurement signal from the sensor 202. The detector system comprises a memory system 203 communicably connected to the processing system 201. In this exemplary case, the processing system 201 and the memory system 203 are implemented as cloud services within an external data network 208.

[0031] The exemplary detector system shown in Figure 2 comprises a flexible material sheet 212 with adhesive for attaching the sensor 202 to the individual's skin 204. Therefore, the sensor 202 can be used in different postures of the individual, such as when the individual is standing. The sensor 202 is configured to maintain a wireless link for transferring measurement signals from the sensor 202 to a gateway, router, or other suitable element of the data network 208. The wireless link can be, for example, a Bluetooth® link or a Near Field Communication (NFC) link. Alternatively, the wireless link can be an optical link or an infrared link.

[0032] Figure 2a schematically shows the right side of the heart during systole. As right ventricular pressure increases due to worsening cardiac dysfunction, leakage from the tricuspid valve during systole increases. This leakage causes turbulent regurgitation into the right atrium. This turbulent regurgitation causes high-frequency oscillations in the jugular venous pressure (JVP) waveform. Plot 212 in Figure 2b shows the spectrum of gyroscope rotational energy in a patient with impaired cardiac function, and plot 213 shows the spectrum of gyroscope rotational energy in a normal patient. Therefore, worsening cardiac dysfunction can be detected based on changes in the high-frequency oscillations of jugular venous pressure (JVP).

[0033] In the detector system shown in Figure 2a, the processing system 201 is configured to calculate the frequency spectrum of the measurement signal and to calculate the energy of a portion of the frequency spectrum that exceeds a predetermined frequency limit, which can be, for example, 20 Hz. In this example, the first data may be the calculated energy corresponding to the first measurement, and the second data may be the calculated energy corresponding to the second measurement performed after the first measurement. The processing system 201 is configured to set index data to represent a worsening of cardiac dysfunction depending on the situation in which the comparison between the first data and the second data represents an increase in calculated energy.

[0034] Figure 3 shows exemplary waveforms 314 of jugular venous pressure (JVP) and 315 of an electrocardiogram (ECG). Waveform 314 also shows jugular venous pressure during the expiratory phase ("expiration") and the inspiratory phase ("inspiration"). During the inspiratory phase, the intrathoracic pressure decreases, allowing more blood to enter the right atrium of the heart. As a result, the jugular vein becomes partially empty. Consequently, the pulmonary artery pulse is more easily transmitted to the rotational sensor and / or other motion sensor. In particular, the c wave of the jugular venous pulse changes due to the rapid increase in systolic pulmonary artery pressure. In cardiac dysfunction with high right atrial pressure, the decrease in intrathoracic pressure does not empty the jugular vein as it does in normal cases. Therefore, in cardiac dysfunction, the respiratory cycle does not modulate the output signals of the rotational sensor and / or other motion sensor as it does in normal cases. Thus, worsening cardiac dysfunction can be detected based on the changes in modulation due to the respiratory cycle.

[0035] In a detector system according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the processing system is configured to receive signals indicating the inspiratory and expiratory phases of an individual's respiration and to detect modulation of the measurement signal resulting from the alternating inspiratory and expiratory phases. In this exemplary case, the first data may be modulation detected during a first measurement, and the second data may be modulation detected during a second measurement performed after the first measurement. The modulation may be represented, for example, as a difference in amplitude, power, etc., of the measurement signal between the expiratory and inspiratory phases. The processing system is configured to set index data to represent periods of worsening cardiac function decline, depending on the situation in which the comparison between the first and second data represents a weakening of the modulation.

[0036] In the detector systems of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, sensor fusion is utilized, i.e., different sensors are used to generate measurement signals dependent on jugular vein pressure. For example, an accelerometer can be used in conjunction with a gyroscope, and the signal level drift typical of a particular gyroscope can be compensated for with the help of the accelerometer and, for example, a Kalman filter.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a method for non-invasively detecting the worsening of cardiac function. This method involves the following steps: Operation 401: Generate a first part of a measurement signal using a sensor that is in a motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein, and store first data based on the first part of the measurement signal in a memory system. Operation 402: To generate the second part of the measurement signal using a sensor that is in a motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein, Operation 403: Comparing a first data stored in the memory system, which is based on a first portion of the measurement signal generated earlier, with a second data based on a second portion of the measurement signal generated later, Action 404: To form indicator data showing the worsening of cardiac function decline based on a comparison between the first and second data sets. Includes.

[0038] In the methods according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the sensor is a rotation sensor that is placed against the individual's skin and generates a measurement signal indicating rotation when it is in motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein.

[0039] In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the sensor is a rotation sensor that measures the angular velocity of a rotation sensor, and the method includes setting index data to represent worsening cardiac dysfunction in a situation where a comparison of first data and second data represents an increase in the peak value of the angular velocity.

[0040] In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the sensor is a rotation sensor that measures the angular acceleration of a rotation sensor, and the method includes calculating the time integral of the measured angular acceleration and setting index data to represent worsening cardiac dysfunction, depending on the situation in which a comparison of first data and second data represents an increase in the peak value of the calculated time integral.

[0041] In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the sensor comprises a gyroscope, and one or more output signals of the gyroscope represent a measurement signal. In exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the gyroscope is a three-axis gyroscope, and the method includes calculating the total angular velocity of the three-axis gyroscope according to the following equation.

number

[0042] Methods according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments include calculating the angular displacement of a three-axis gyroscope according to the following formula.

number

[0043] Methods according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments include calculating the frequency spectrum of a measurement signal, calculating the energy of the portion of the frequency spectrum exceeding a predetermined frequency limit, and setting index data to represent a worsening of cardiac dysfunction in situations where a comparison of first data with second data represents an increase in the energy of the portion of the frequency spectrum.

[0044] Methods according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments include receiving signals indicating the inspiratory and expiratory phases of an individual's respiration, detecting modulation of the measurement signals due to alternating inspiratory and expiratory phases, and setting index data to represent worsening cardiac dysfunction in situations where a comparison of first data with second data expresses a weakening of modulation.

[0045] Methods according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments include receiving one or more electrical signals from electrodes on an individual's skin and creating an electrocardiogram (ECG) of time intervals corresponding to first and second data.

[0046] In exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments, the sensor maintains a wireless link for transferring measurement signals from the sensor to a processing system configured to form index data.

[0047] In the methods according to exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments, the sensor is part of a mobile phone.

[0048] Computer programs according to exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments include computer executable instructions for controlling a programmable data processing system to perform operations related to the methods according to any of the exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments described above.

[0049] Computer programs according to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments include a software module for controlling a programmable data processing system to detect worsening cardiac function. The software module includes computer executable instructions for controlling the programmable data processing system to receive a measurement signal from a sensor suitable for generating a measurement signal when it is in motion-sensing relationship with an individual's jugular vein, store first data based on a first portion of the measurement signal in a memory system, compare the first data with second data based on a second portion of the measurement signal generated later, and form index data indicating worsening cardiac function based on the comparison between the first and second data.

[0050] Software modules can be, for example, subroutines or functions implemented with programming tools suitable for programmable data processing systems.

[0051] Exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of a computer program product include a computer-readable medium, such as a compact disc "CD," on which an exemplary computer program according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is encoded.

[0052] Signals according to exemplary and non-exclusive embodiments are encoded to transmit information defining a computer program according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The specific examples provided in the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the attached claims. The lists and groups of examples provided in the above description are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated. Accordingly, the exemplary waveforms and other exemplary results shown above and / or in the figures should not be construed as limiting the scope and / or applicability of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A detector system for detecting the worsening of cardiac function decline, wherein the detector system is A processing system (101, 201) configured to receive a measurement signal, Sensors (102, 202) configured to generate a measurement signal when in a movement-sensing relationship with an individual's jugular vein, In a detector system comprising a processing system and a memory system (103, 203) that is communicatively connected, The processing system is The first data stored in the memory system is compared between the first data based on the first portion of the measurement signal that was generated earlier and the second data based on the second portion of the measurement signal that was generated later. A detector system characterized in that it is configured to form index data indicating the worsening of cardiac function based on the comparison between the first data and the second data.

2. The detector system according to claim 1, wherein the sensors (102, 202) are rotation sensors configured to generate the measurement signal indicating rotation of the rotation sensor when they are placed in contact with the individual's skin and are in motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein.

3. The detector system according to claim 2, wherein the rotation sensor is configured to measure the angular velocity of the rotation sensor, and the processing system is configured to set the index data to indicate a worsening of cardiac function decline in accordance with the situation in which the comparison between the first data and the second data indicates an increase in the peak value of the angular velocity.

4. The detector system according to claim 2, wherein the rotation sensor is configured to measure the angular acceleration of the rotation sensor, the processing system is configured to calculate the time integral of the angular acceleration, and the processing system is configured to set the index data to represent the worsening of cardiac function in response to a situation in which the comparison between the first data and the second data represents an increase in the peak value of the time integral.

5. The detector system according to claim 2, wherein the rotation sensor comprises a gyroscope, and one or more output signals of the gyroscope represent the measurement signal.

6. The gyroscope is a three-axis gyroscope, and the processing system is as follows: [Math 1] The system is configured to calculate the total angular velocity of a three-axis gyroscope according to ω, where ω ｘｙｚ (t) is the total angular velocity as a function of time t, and ω ｘ , ω ｙ , ω ｚ The detector system according to claim 5, wherein the angular velocity is measured by the three-axis gyroscope around mutually orthogonal geometric axes, and the processing system is configured to set the index data to represent the worsening of cardiac function decline in accordance with the situation in which the comparison between the first data and the second data represents an increase in the peak value of the total angular velocity.

7. The processing system is as follows: [Math 2] configured to calculate the angular displacement of the three-axis gyroscope according to this, where θ ｘｙｚ where θ(t) is the angular displacement as a function of time t, t0 is the start point of the measurement period, and the processing system determines that the comparison between the first data and the second data is the peak-to-peak value of the angular displacement (θ ｘｙｚ (t) ｍａｘ - θ ｘｙｚ (t) ｍｉｎ ), and the detector system according to claim 6 is configured to set the index data to indicate deterioration of the cardiac function decline according to the situation indicating an increase in

8. The detector system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing system is configured to calculate the frequency spectrum of the measurement signal, calculate the energy of the portion of the frequency spectrum that exceeds a predetermined frequency limit, and set the index data to represent the worsening of cardiac function decline depending on the situation in which the comparison between the first data and the second data represents an increase in the energy of the portion of the frequency spectrum.

9. The detector system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing system is configured to receive signals indicating the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the individual's respiration, detect modulation of the measurement signal caused by alternating inspiratory and expiratory phases, and set the index data to represent the worsening of cardiac function in response to a situation in which the comparison between the first data and the second data represents a weakening of the modulation.

10. The detector system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing system is configured to receive one or more electrical signals from electrodes on the individual's skin, and the processing system is configured to generate an electrocardiogram of time intervals corresponding to the first and second portions of the measurement signal.

11. The detector system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the processing system and the sensor are configured to maintain a wireless link for transferring the measurement signal from the sensor to the processing system.

12. The detector system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sensor (102) is part of a mobile phone.

13. A method for detecting the worsening of cardiac dysfunction, comprising generating a measurement signal using a sensor that is in a motion-sensing relationship with the individual's jugular vein (401, 402), The aforementioned method, (403) A comparison of first data stored in the memory system, which is based on a first portion of the measurement signal generated earlier, and second data based on a second portion of the measurement signal generated later. A method characterized by comprising (404) forming index data indicating worsening of cardiac function decline based on the comparison between the first data and the second data.

14. A computer program for controlling a programmable data processing system to detect worsening of cardiac function decline, wherein the computer program controls the programmable data processing system, Receive measurement signals from sensors suitable for generating measurement signals when in a movement-sensing relationship with an individual's jugular veins. In a computer program that includes computer executable instructions for controlling such a thing, The computer program is used by the programmable data processing system. The memory system stores first data based on the first portion of the measurement signal that was generated earlier. The first data is compared with a second data based on a second portion of the measurement signal that is generated later. A computer program further comprising computer-executable instructions for controlling the formation of index data indicating the worsening of cardiac function based on the comparison between the first data and the second data.

15. A computer program product comprising a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the computer program described in claim 14 is encoded.

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