The measurement of the arterial blood pressure is of great clinical significance mainly for the detection and follow-up of hypertension which affects about one third of the adult population in the western world. Blood pressure varies considerably throughout the day and frequent blood pressure monitoring is required in many home healthcare situations. Blood pressure is measured by the medical personnel usually using ausculatory method. In this a pressure cuff is attached to the upper arm and inflated to compress the brachial artery to a value above the systolic pressure. Then, the cuff is gradually deflated while listening to Korotkoff sounds through stethoscope placed on the brachial artery distal to the cuff. The systolic and diastolic pressures are determined by reading the manometer when the sound begins and end, respectively. However this requires skill and not suitable for most home care environments.
