In a method and apparatus for measuring extreme blood pressure values
during a single non-invasive blood measurement, the time intervals
between sequential heartbeats are measured for a series of heartbeats in
an oscillometric blood pressure measurement time period. Oscillometric
blood pressure measurement data for the heartbeats of the series is
obtained and associated with the heartbeat time intervals. An average
time interval between heartbeats is also determined. A first data bin may
be defined for blood pressure data associated with time intervals that
are longer as compared to the average time interval. A second data bin is
defined for blood pressure data with time intervals that are shorter as
compared to the average time interval. The measured oscillometric blood
pressure data is sorted into the data bins in accordance with the
associated time intervals. The data in the first data bin is used to
derive a high systolic blood pressure value and a low diastolic blood
pressure value. The data in the second bin is used to derive a low
systolic blood pressure value and a high diastolic blood pressure value.
A typical blood pressure value may also be determined.