The history of blood pressure monitoring originates in the 16th century from Sir Stephen Hales’ experiments involving directly inserting a tube in an artery. Since then, the practice has been (thankfully) improved not to involve invasive manoeuvres.
Nowadays, blood pressure monitoring is an essential part of a patient’s examination; and in the digital health era, the means to do so are evolving. In this article, we’ll consider the evolution of this practice and what awaits it in the future; as it might be the next healthcare practice most prone to change based on recent trends.
From manual to digital blood pressure monitoring
While the first instances of measuring blood pressure (BP) can be dated back to several centuries, the practice with which we are more accustomed hails from the 20th century. This has traditionally involved a combination of an inflatable arm cuff, a stethoscope and a mercury-based scale. Over time, the need to manually inflate the cuff and listen through a stethoscope has been supplemented by digital means with slimmer devices that can be more easily used at home.
With the advent of digital health, BP monitors were coupled with smartphone apps to supplement the recording of readings so as to create a BP diary that patients can share with their doctor.
Some companies like iHealth, Withings and Viatom added even more features to digital blood pressure monitors. For example, the light and portable iHealth Clear not only measures BP but also heart rate; and the companion app converts the raw data into digestible information packages.
Others like the Withings BPM Core and the Viatom Armfit+ integrate both a BP and ECG monitor into a single device. They can both pair with a companion smartphone app to store the collected data. This allows patients to further analyse or share the results; thereby enabling them to better manage their condition at home.
The next step in the evolution of BP monitors would be to trim them down further to the form factor of a common wrist-worn device.
Blood pressure readings from the wrist – a first glimpse at the future
What was common with the aforementioned examples, whether analogue or digital, was that measurements were taken from the arm. MedTech company Omron presented something different when it announced the Omron HeartGuide in 2018.
The latter was a daring attempt at being the first-ever blood pressure smartwatch. Unlike other BP monitors, this wearable would take BP measurements from the wrist with cuffs integrated in the strap; and it even had FDA-clearance for blood pressure readings.
This represented a dramatic change from the century-old method … in concept. In practice, Omron’s take on BP monitoring from the wrist didn’t pan out so well. When we reviewed it, we found it to be bulky, cumbersome and not really practical to use.
The accuracy of these early attempts was influenced by factors such as physical activity and body temperature. Calibration was also needed to be performed regularly with a traditional blood pressure monitor to ensure accuracy.
Considering these pitfalls, this wrist-based approach didn’t really pick up steam; but that wasn’t the final form of blood pressure monitors.
The cuff-less revolution and the future of BP monitoring
The Omron HeartGuide was only the first attempt at wrist-based BP monitors, and its issues were largely due to repurposing cuffs to fit into a smartwatch form factor. Newer approaches are more promising, especially with devices using photoplethysmography (PPG). PPG is a non-invasive optical technique that provides measurements based on changes in light intensity as a result of blood flow.
Adopting PPG sensors results in sleeker devices that are much more practical. They can further be more convenient as they can enable continuous, real-time BP readings; as opposed to one-off measurements at the doctor’s office.
For example, the Akita smart bracelet is lightweight and designed to continuously monitor blood pressure throughout the day. Its readings have even been shown to be comparable to traditional cuff-based BP monitors.
Other PPG-based devices like the BioBeat smart patch aim to monitor BP without visibly doing so. The sensor is applied through a skin patch on the body for reliable 24-hour monitoring.
By enabling BP measurements to be taken reliably, seamlessly and via less bulky devices, PPG-based monitors might represent the future of BP monitors. This evolution is an excellent showcase of how medical technology continues to progress to become more personal.
We could even see them become as common as heart rate monitors on smartwatches in the near future; further increasing access to monitoring one’s blood pressure. And when such devices make it to the market, we’ll be sure to report on, if not review, them.
Written by Dr. Bertalan Mesko & Dr. Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
The post From Cuff To Cuffless: The Evolution Of Blood Pressure Monitoring appeared first on The Medical Futurist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
The majority of holistic medicine patients have had their conditions addressed.
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those considered by mainstream medicine to be useful for treating disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. These include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, reflexology and flower essences.
Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?
Holistic medicine is based on the premise that all diseases are caused by a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, environment, stress, emotional state, genetics, and other health-related problems.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a full range of services to their patients.
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines and mind-body therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, homeopathy (traditional Chinese medicine), chiropractic care, biofeedback and hypnosis. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies may simply be enjoyable experiences.
There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:
- A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
- The belief that mind and body interact with each other and have an influence on one another
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
In addition to its potential benefits, there are risks associated with certain CAM therapies. If they are not used correctly, some therapies may cause death or serious harm. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. However, some studies show that these treatments can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, migraine, obesity, osteoporosis, and others.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. The benefits of holistic therapies can only be evaluated in a small number of well-designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Alternative treatments are more effective than conventional medicine, according to many people.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer alternative treatments to going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- Patients must be taught about various treatments in order to make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. For example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These feelings cause stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol can affect your nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
Your spirit can become depressed and you may lose your faith in the world. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
Difference between allopathic and alternative medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If necessary, doctors prescribe medications and may perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. You can call it natural medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, and CAM.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
Title: From Cuff To Cuffless: The Evolution Of Blood Pressure Monitoring
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/from-cuff-to-digital-the-evolution-of-blood-pressure-monitoring
Published Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:15:26 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
The majority of holistic medicine patients have had their conditions addressed.
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those considered by mainstream medicine to be useful for treating disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. These include yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, reflexology and flower essences.
Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?
Holistic medicine is based on the premise that all diseases are caused by a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, environment, stress, emotional state, genetics, and other health-related problems.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors are certified to practice complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them to offer a full range of services to their patients.
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines and mind-body therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, homeopathy (traditional Chinese medicine), chiropractic care, biofeedback and hypnosis. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies may simply be enjoyable experiences.
There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:
- A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
- The belief that mind and body interact with each other and have an influence on one another
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
In addition to its potential benefits, there are risks associated with certain CAM therapies. If they are not used correctly, some therapies may cause death or serious harm. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. However, some studies show that these treatments can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, migraine, obesity, osteoporosis, and others.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- There is insufficient scientific evidence. The benefits of holistic therapies can only be evaluated in a small number of well-designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Alternative treatments are more effective than conventional medicine, according to many people.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer alternative treatments to going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- Patients must be taught about various treatments in order to make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. For example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These feelings cause stress in your brain. Untreated, stress can cause your body to make adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol can affect your nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract. Both hormones can lead to fatigue, muscle tension headaches and dizziness, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.
Your spirit can become depressed and you may lose your faith in the world. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
Difference between allopathic and alternative medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. If necessary, doctors prescribe medications and may perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. You can call it natural medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, and CAM.
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