Measuring and monitoring blood pressure is a tedious business for patients.
It usually involves a cuff which is activated every 15 minutes over several hours and compresses the upper arm, a cumbersome measuring device on the body, or in some cases even invasive monitoring, in which a catheter is inserted into the artery. It is no wonder that those affected avoid this procedure if at all possible.
A new sensor hardly bigger than a wristwatch should soon offer a more pleasant method for measuring blood pressure. The company STBL Medical Research AG (STBL) has developed a device that can be worn comfortably on the wrist and records the blood pressure continuously – with no pressure cuff or invasive procedure. The measurement is carried out by several sensors which simultaneously measure the contact pressure, pulse and blood flow on the surface of the skin in the vicinity of the wrist. Michael Tschudin, co-founder of STBL, sees great potential for the device: “This measuring device can be used for medical purposes, for example as a precaution for high-risk patients or for treating high blood pressure, but also as a blood pressure and heart rate monitor for leisure activities and sports as well as for monitoring fitness in high-level sports.”
Empa sensor greatly increases measuring accuracy
Engineers had one particular obstacle to overcome in this new technology: the pressure of the device on the skin changes constantly, meaning that highly sensitive correctional measurements are necessary. Empa’s Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics sought a suitable solution to this problem within the scope of a CTI project. A sensor made from piezo-resistive fibres in the wristband measures the contact pressure of the device on the skin. Changes in signal strength due to slippage or muscle tension could lead to incorrect measurements. It is these changes that the Empa sensor registers – enabling the measurements to be corrected accordingly. The fibre is electrically conductive, detects any movement or change in pressure, converts this into an electrical signal and transmits this to the measuring device. This enables the measuring accuracy of the “blood pressure watch” to be increased by more than 70 per cent. “Four years ago, we produced the first prototype,” says Doctor Frank Clemens of Empa’s “Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics”. Since then, relevant tests have confirmed the functionality of the sensors. Empa is now working flat out to integrate the piezo-sensor into the device in a way that is not only more attractive; it should also be easy to install without too much effort. Possible methods include glueing, laminating or weaving it in.
Emergency assistance on your wrist
The market for a device of this type is enormous. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide. More than a billion people should be measuring their blood pressure daily in order to avoid the possible consequences of hypertension. As a result, around 60 to 70 million measuring devices are sold annually – however, these do not allow continuous measurement. In contrast, constant measurement could provide additional safety margins; in cases where there is a possibility of an imminent heart attack or stroke, the system could give early warning signals. This is because a heart attack, like a stroke, is preceded by an increased pressure wave, which the system records and analyses. This would enable emergency measures to be taken before anything more serious happened. In order to constantly improve accuracy during such events, further test runs on humans are planned.
The Latest Bing News on:
Monitoring blood pressure
- Bills mandating Medicaid cover doula services, blood pressure monitors clear Pa. Houseon May 7, 2024 at 3:45 am
Doula services and blood pressure monitors would each be covered under Medicaid as part of a targeted legislative effort to improve maternal health outcomes in Pennsylvania, particularly for ...
- High scores aren’t the goal when it comes to Blood Pressureon May 6, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? Officials with the Knox County Health Department want to remind you that you should be monitoring your blood pressure ...
- Blood pressure kits available to borrow at libraries across Lorain Countyon May 3, 2024 at 2:16 pm
People in Lorain County have easier access to blood pressure monitors thanks to a collaboration between Lorain County Public Health and local libraries, according to a news release. This ...
- Best BP Monitor in India: Digital Blood Pressure Monitors For Home Useon May 3, 2024 at 4:07 am
The advent of BP monitors has transformed health monitoring practices, offering swift and dependable readings previously exclusive to medical settings ...
- YMCA program to help patients monitor blood pressure, eat healthy and exerciseon May 1, 2024 at 5:13 pm
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The YMCA of Greenville has designed a new, signature program to help patients combat high blood pressure. Their evidence-based model features personalized support for ...
- Top 8 Best Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors in 2024on April 30, 2024 at 5:00 pm
It’s imperative to keep a check on blood pressure for maintaining total health, especially for those dealing with hypertension or other cardiac diseases. Although the typical upper arm monitors ...
- Top 8 Best Home Blood Pressure Monitors in 2024on April 26, 2024 at 5:00 pm
As a result, the demand for home blood pressure monitoring machines is on the rise. These machines offer the benefits of enabling the tracking of blood pressure right from one’s personal home ...
- OMRON Donates Some 3,200 Units of Blood Pressure Monitors to Global Blood Pressure Screening Campaign on World Hypertension Dayon April 26, 2024 at 1:01 am
OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd. based in Muko, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, announces to be the official sponsor of May Measurement Month (MMM,) a global campaign to raise awareness of blood pressure screening ...
- Counties with the highest rates of high blood pressure in Texason April 25, 2024 at 7:33 am
Stacker compiled a list of counties with the highest rates of high blood pressure in Texas using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Counties with the highest rates of high blood pressure in Kentuckyon April 25, 2024 at 7:33 am
Stacker compiled a list of counties with the highest rates of high blood pressure in Kentucky using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Monitoring blood pressure
[google_news title=”” keyword=”monitoring blood pressure” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Blood pressure
- Ask A Nutrition Professional: Do Beets Lower Blood Pressure?on May 7, 2024 at 2:28 pm
Expert opinion from Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji Master of Science in Medicine, specialization in Human Nutrition · 2 years of experience · South Africa Beets as well as some green leafy vegetables contains ...
- Professional Faqs: Do Beets Lower Blood Pressure?on May 7, 2024 at 2:28 pm
Expert opinion from Gabriella Leite Nutritionist · 6 years of experience · Brazil It does help, and when consumed, a reduction in blood pressure can be observed within 24 hours. This is because beets ...
- These subtle changes could lower diastolic blood pressureon May 7, 2024 at 11:50 am
When checking your blood pressure, there are two numbers that come up on the machine: systolic and diastolic. In a 119/80 reading, the 80 is the diastolic number. Your diastolic number shows how much ...
- Cannabis might lower blood pressure in older adults, says studyon May 6, 2024 at 4:59 pm
The study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and its affiliated Soroka University Medical Center found medical cannabis might reduce blood pressure in older adults. “Older adults are ...
- Your blood pressure may change as you age. Here's why.on May 6, 2024 at 10:46 am
Keeping one's blood pressure levels in the normal range is important. Blood pressure that's too high (hypertension) can cause severe headaches, blurred vision and may even lead to heart disease or ...
- High blood pressure in kids doubles their risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds, bringing a call for routine screeningon May 6, 2024 at 6:00 am
"Imagine the vast majority of the pediatric population where they're not even checking blood pressure,” says the author of a study that links chidren's hypertension to heart disease as adults.
- SOS: Manufacturer's failure to replace faulty blood pressure monitor sparks frustrationon May 6, 2024 at 4:40 am
"Pretty coincidental that they suddenly solved their 'over capacity' problem as soon as they heard from you!" Landsman said.
- High blood pressure in youth linked to elevated risk of heart conditionson May 5, 2024 at 6:42 pm
Youth with high blood pressure are nearly four times more likely to be at long-term risk of serious heart conditions including stroke and heart attack, according to a new study.
- Five reasons your blood pressure medication isn't workingon May 1, 2024 at 9:23 am
Keeping your blood pressure in check is a good way to lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. So, you follow orders, take your prescribed medication, and proudly accept your ...
- 4 Dangerous Exercises You Should Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure, Trainers Warnon May 1, 2024 at 8:29 am
It’s always important to stay active and get exercise. However, certain health conditions, such as hypertension, can make especially strenuous forms of exercise dangerous. This is the case when it ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Blood pressure
[google_news title=”” keyword=”blood pressure” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]