Method And Apparatus For Recording And Presentation Of Physiological Data

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for recording and presentation of physiological parameters, which can include both blood pressure and heart pulse. Information about the heart pulse is derived from a recorded blood pressure signal, whereby the need for e.g. an external ECG measurement device is eliminated. It is likewise a part of the invention that a blood pressure measurement is used for the derivation of data such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and/or baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) values

1 .- 5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . A handheld device for determining whether a patient suffers from for example autonomic neuropathy or stress, the handheld device comprising ECG electrodes for obtaining ECG signals from the patient, the handheld device further comprising a display device for guiding the patient correctly through an examination in order to determine whether the patient suffers from for example autonomic neuropathy or stress or not. 
   
   
       7 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , wherein the ECG electrodes are implemented as ECG electrodes forming part of exterior surface parts of the handheld device. 
   
   
       8 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , wherein the ECG electrodes are arranged to obtain ECG signals through the palms of the hands of the patient. 
   
   
       9 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a sound device for guiding the patient correctly through an examination. 
   
   
       10 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a central processing unit adapted to execute algorithms so as to guide the patient correctly through an examination. 
   
   
       11 . A handheld device according to  claim 10 , wherein the central processing unit comprises a digital signal processor. 
   
   
       12 . A handheld device according to  claim 10 , wherein the central processing unit is adapted to process ECG signals. 
   
   
       13 . A handheld device according to  claim 12 , wherein the central processing unit is adapted to process an additional input signal. 
   
   
       14 . A handheld device according to  claim 13 , wherein the additional signal provides information about exhale pressure in response to a Valsalva manoeuvre. 
   
   
       15 . A handheld device according to  claim 13 , wherein the display device is adapted to graphically display the additional input signal so as to guide the patient correctly through an examination. 
   
   
       16 . A handheld device according to  claim 10 , further comprising a number of control pushbuttons adapted to provide control signals to the central processing unit. 
   
   
       17 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a pressure transducer for recording of exhalation air pressure. 
   
   
       18 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , wherein the display device is arranged to graphically display desired exhale pressure, measured exhale pressure from a patient, a corresponding lapsed time period and a remaining time period simultaneously. 
   
   
       19 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a wireless data communication unit adapted to transmit data to an external unit, such as a computer. 
   
   
       20 . A handheld device according to  claim 6 , wherein the handheld device has an elongated shape with an ECG electrode positioned on both sides of the display device. 
   
   
       21 . A method for determining whether a patient suffers from autonomic neuropathy, the method comprising the steps of
 providing a handheld device comprising ECG electrodes for obtaining ECG signals from the patient, the handheld device further comprising a display device for guiding the patient correctly through an examination in order to determine whether the patient suffers from autonomic neuropathy or not, and   graphically displaying, simultaneously on the display device, a desired exhale pressure, a measured exhale pressure from the patient, a corresponding lapsed time period and a remaining time period.   
   
   
       22 . A method of recording and presenting physiological data from humans or animals wherein the method uses a measurement device, which can emit an electric signal proportional to the blood pressure of the measuring object, as well as being provided with technical means such as a digital signal processor for calculation of data such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) values, as well as being provided with interface electronics for connection of additional signaling units such as pressure transducers and manometers, and being provided with algorithms for user control, calculation and data presentation of examination sequences such as:
 resting heart rate   beat-to-beat heart rate variation   heart rate response to standing   heart rate response to Valsalva maneuver   systolic blood pressure response to standing   diastolic blood pressure response to isometric exercise   
   
   
       23 . Device for recording and presentation of physiological data from humans or animals wherein the device/apparatus emits an electric signal, which is proportional to the blood pressure of the measuring object, as well as being provided with means such as a digital signal processor for recording and processing the blood pressure signal as well as algorithms for derivation of data such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and/or baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) values. 
   
   
       24 . Device according to  claim 23 , wherein the device is provided with means for data recording such as pressure transducers, including ones for recording of exhalation air pressure and hand grip squeeze pressure, as well as algorithms for user control and data processing for carrying out test- and/or examination sequences, as well as means such as display and/or sound device(s) such as e.g. loudspeakers for guiding a user and data presentation. 
   
   
       25 . Device according to  claim 24 , wherein the algorithms for user control and data processing as well as the data presentation includes one or more of the following examination sequences:
 resting heart rate   beat-to-beat heart rate variation   heart rate response to standing   heart rate response to Valsalva maneuver   systolic blood pressure response to standing   diastolic blood pressure response to isometric exercise   
   
   
       26 . Device according to  claim 23 , wherein the device is provided with communication electronics, which can wirelessly communicate with external units including receive recorded data such as ECG signals from an object being measured.