Patent ID: 6120456
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring a propagation velocity of a pulse wave which is propagated through an artery of a living subject, the apparatus comprising:a blood-pressure measuring device which measures a blood pressure value of the subject;an electrocardiographic-waveform detecting device which includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to contact a body surface of the subject and which detects an electrocardiographic waveform from the subject through said electrodes;a pulse-wave sensor which is adapted to be worn on the subject and which detects the pulse wave from the subject;time-difference determining means for determining a time difference between a first periodic point relating to the detected electrocardiographic waveform and a second periodic point relating to the detected pulse wave;propagation-velocity determining means for determining the propagation velocity of the pulse wave based on the determined time difference; andpropagation-velocity modifying means for modifying the determined propagation-velocity value to a modified propagation-velocity value corresponding to a predetermined blood pressure value, based on the measured blood pressure value, according to a predetermined relationship between modified propagation velocity, and determined propagation velocity and measured blood pressure.