Radar-based non-contact heart rate monitoring: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Heart rate (HR) measurement is an essential physiological parameter used in various fields, such as healthcare and human-computer interaction. This article presents a comparative evaluation of contact and non-contact approaches for heart rate monitoring, with a specific emphasis on radar-based non-contact methods. It begins by examining conventional contact-based techniques like electrocardiography and photoplethysmography, outlining their operational principles, applications, and limitations. While contact methods ensure high accuracy and reliability, they can be inconvenient for long-term monitoring in ambulatory environments owing to their inconvenience. The discussion then shifts to non-contact approaches with a focus on radar-based techniques, which offer advantages such as being non-intrusive, capable of remote operation, and having the potential for continuous monitoring without physical contact. The paper provides insights into the underlying principles of radar-based heart rate detection along with its varied applications across domains like healthcare, automotive systems, and smart environments while also addressing implementation challenges. Additionally, it discusses future directions pertaining to radar-based non-contact heart rate detection and concludes by highlighting the strengths and limitations. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.