43 Australians trialed a wireless blood pressure monitoring device, developed by the research team from Monash University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.
The world-first study, led by Associate Professor Mehmet Yuce, recorded data during a range of sedentary and physical activities during the participants’ regular day.
Results were published in the international journal Nature Scientific Reports.
“For close to a century, the health sector has used the cuff device to measure blood pressure,” says A/Professor Yuce.
“More invasive measures are used to monitor the continuous blood pressure of critically ill patients, which are uncomfortable and could potentially cause infection due to ischemia.”
The trial
Researchers used continuous wave radar (CWR) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors to calculate continuous blood pressure measurements. The CWR and PPG sensors were placed on the sternum and left earlobe respectively.
By using the radar technology, researchers were able to calculate the pre-ejection period (PEP) – the mechanical delay associated with heart movements ejecting the blood – and the pulse transit time to estimate blood pressure in patients while sitting, laying down or exercising.
Results
Results on subject participating in posture tasks were 93% accurate, while those performing exercises achieved an 83% success rate.
“Clinicians still cannot continuously measure blood pressure during sleep, nor during times of activity such as walking or running.
“This means people with high, low or irregular blood pressure can’t get the critical information they need about the state of their health around the clock,” says A/Professor Yuce.
“A wearable device that can provide comfort and portability while people are going about their daily lives will be a significant development for the health sector in Australia and internationally.”
To download a copy of the paper, please visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-52710-8
