Pii: 0141-5425(84)90007-4

Automated blood pressure measurements are usually characterized by poor operational reliability and a considerable degree of complexity in performing the measurement. This paper introduces a new technique for the indirect measurement of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of an individual. The technique is based upon a statistically consistent relationship between the amplitude of the pulsative pressure waveform at the systolic and diastolic points, and the amplitude of pulse signals detected when the artery is fully occluded. Clinical testing and statistical analysis techniques are used to derive appropriate numerical values for these relationships. The proposed pocedure thus incorporates an adaptive measurement philosophy achieving minimum observer involvement and consequently high instrument accuracy. Overall measurement errors are maintained well within proposed standards for automated sphygmomanometers.