A computerized method for measurement and analysis of blood pressure in small animals

A method is described for computerized measurement of blood pressure (BP) in small animals. As described, the system measures BP in up to four experimental animals at one time by sequential sampling but can be expanded to take data from up to 10. It requires an Apple II computer, and is run from a Grass pen-recording system. Pulse rate and systolic and diastolic BP are measured, and these variables are used to calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the time integral of MAP minute by minute. The data are displayed in real time and stored hourly on floppy disc for further analysis.