Increasing the Accuracy of Oscillometric Blood Pressure Measurement

Nowadays, hypertension is one the most common cardiovascular diseases. Thus, to prevent life-threatening conditions constant monitoring of blood pressure is required. The recent studies on the treatment of hypertension show an increase in the prognostic value of a home blood pressure measurement and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension compared with 24-hour blood pressure monitoring which is conducted in the hospitals. As modern blood pressure monitors for home use usually based on the oscillometric method have a number of shortcomings we propose several features which could be added to a standard device. This paper shows a block diagram of a blood pressure monitor including additional tools and channels of data obtaining that could improve the accuracy of home blood pressure measurement. The block diagram presents the arrangement of the new blocks such as a sensor for tracking the patient's position, electrocardiogram and rheopneumogram recording channel, pulse wave and Korotkoff sounds analyzing elements. A description of each block and used sensors are given as well.