[Continuous blood pressure monitoring during stress ECG]

Using conventional methods (Riva-Rocci, oscillometric), non-invasive blood pressure measurements allow readings to be obtained only at discrete times, at intervals of at least one or two minutes. During exercise ECG recording, continuous blood pressure monitoring capable of detecting brief blood pressure changes is desirable. Our new approach is based on the known dependency of pulse wave velocity and blood pressure. The pulse transit time is derived from an ECG and a simultaneously recorded photoplethysmogram, and the blood pressure is computed using a linear model. In addition to the conventional ECG device, only a finger or ear sensor is required, so that the application of the method is quite easy. Results indicating dynamic blood pressure variations during an exercise ECG are presented.