CONTINUOUS BLOOD-PRESSURE DETERMINATION D URING EXERCISE ECG RECORDING

Using conventional methods (Riva-Rocci, oscillometric), non-invasive b lood pressure measurements allow readings to be obtained only at discr ete times, at intervals of at least one or two minutes. During exercis e ECG recording, continuous blood pressure monitoring capable of detec ting brief blood pressure changes is desirable. Our new approach is ba sed on the known dependency of pulse wave velocity and blood pressure. The pulse transit time is derived from an ECG and a simultaneously re corded photoplethysmogram, and the blood pressure is computed using a linear model. In addition to the conventional ECG device, only a finge r or ear sensor is required, so that the application of the method is quite easy. Results indicating dynamic blood pressure variations durin g an exercise ECG are presented.