Health monitors

A health monitor is a device used to measure and record one or more clinical parameters of a patient for later review by the patient's physician or other health care provider. Various health monitors are known and include an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitoring device, a device for monitoring blood oxygen saturation, a device for monitoring respiration, a device for monitoring blood glucose, a device for monitoring blood pressure, a device for monitoring lung function, a device for monitoring temperature, a device for fat analysis, a fetal hart rate monitor device for pregnancy women. These monitors record specific parameter data, while in others they provide an output to the patient which is indicative of the physical parameters they sense. Some monitors simply provide an alarm when the parameters reach a pre-set level of particular concern. The personal health monitor may include one or more test components, or sensors, a programmable computer such a general purpose personal computer, and an interface connecting the sensors with the personal computer. The measurement of cardiac output is an important part of health care. Cardiac output is the measure of average blood flow through the heart. Heart rate monitors typically comprise an electrode belt, a circumferential band and a display unit at the wrist. Some portable heart rate monitors, provide a digital display of heart rate to the patient. Patients use such heart rate monitors to warn them of high heart rates. Athletes use them to ensure that their physical training includes periods of elevated heart rate thought to be sufficient to promote conditioning. Arterial blood pressure has been found to be an important indicator of a person's health and its measurement has become a part of every complete physical examination. Blood pressure monitoring is used to screen patients for hypertension and other illnesses. Blood pressure is commonly measured by auscultation which consists of applying a pressing force greater than the maximum blood pressure to the artery by pressing the brachium or wrist around the circumference and detecting a vibration of the pressed artery on the peripheral side, while gradually decreasing the pressing force. On account of their diet or lifestyle, aged people commonly suffer from cardiovascular diseases, and thus, often need to measure their blood pressure daily. To do this a sphygmomanometer is the preferred tool. Moreover, the patient has to then provide the results recorded and stored in the sphygmomanometer to their doctor for reference and diagnosis. There are variety of body building devices and exercisers developed for people who live busily in the modern commercial society and require appropriate exercises. For a person to accurately control a moderate quantity of exercise and monitor personal physical condition, various types of body/motion signal sensing devices have been developed. Pedometers primarily measure the distance walked or run by a human wearer of the device by virtue of the up and down motion made by the wearer during each stride. A measurement of the amount of fat in a person's body can be valuable and useful for several reasons. Fat measurements can be a valuable aid in monitoring body tone. Further, such measurements provide a means for monitoring and indicating the progress of a fitness program. An indication of a quantitative progression can be psychologically valuable as a means of encouraging continued participation.