Wavelet estimation of pulse rate variability from oscillometric blood pressure measurements

Abstract

We propose a wavelet-based spectral density estimation method for characterizing pulse rate variability of short duration oscillometric blood pressure signals produced by a digital blood pressure monitor during routine measurements. To validate our wavelet metric we compare its performance with other techniques by studying correlations of pulse rate variability with age and mean arterial pressure. Our results indicate that the proposed wavelet metric offers a superior and accurate characterization of variability of short duration oscillometric blood pressure signals.