Importance

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Abstract

Blood pressure is measured with the aid of a programmed data processor such as a microcomputer. Electrical signals are provided in response to the pressure in a blood pressure cuff as the pressure therein is changed to vary the constriction of an artery. The signals are processed to provide a train of pulses corresponding to successive blood pressure pulses and digital signals representing the amplitude of each pulse and the cuff pressure which accompanies each pulse are stored in the memories of the data processor. The processor has means by which the pulses are first selected in accordance with their relative amplitudes and location in the train so as to satisfy criteria for the rejection of artifacts. The processor provides outputs from its memories in which digital signals representing cuff pressures which were acquired at the same time as the pulses which are identified as occurring at the times of the systolic and diastolic events. These outputs may be displayed as on a digital readout device or processed for remote transmission so as to indicate the blood pressure. Information as to the pulse rate may be obtained from the time intervals between a group of pulses in the train by converting that time interval into a digital signal which represents the pulse rate. This signal may also be outputted to a display or for remote transmission.

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First Claim