Real time detection of significant blood pressure events in ambulant subjects.

A typical twenty-four hour continuous ambulatory blood pressure (BP) record demonstrates many marked, apparently spontaneous blood pressure spikes. Awareness of such BP fluctuations may help determine their causative mechanisms and lead to improved applications of conscious learned control of BP (Biofeedback). A microprocessor device has been constructed to monitor direct arterial blood pressure in real time and to compile a profile history of the BP and heart rate (HR). When the BP level exceeds a threshold based on the BP history, an audio signal prompts the subject, who is then able to record the current physical and emotional status. Alternatively, a combination of the parameters (SBP,DBP,HR) may be used to determine the threshold criteria. A decision table determines whether each parameter should lie above, below or within the threshold region. Triggering will occur only if a predefined relationship has occurred. The device will aid in the detection and interpretation of significant BP events occurring during a 24 hour recording as well as in the application and assessment of biofeedback control of blood pressure.