WO2016006250A1

WO2016006250A1 - Biological information measurement device

Info

Publication number: WO2016006250A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/003460
Authority: WO
Inventors: 朋哉日下部; 和宏井出
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2014-07-11
Filing date: 2015-07-09
Publication date: 2016-01-14
Also published as: JP2016016279A

Abstract

This biological information measurement device (1) calculates, on the basis of measurement results of information relating to the body, an autonomic nerve index, which is an index relating to the function of the autonomic nerves, and a vascular sclerosis index, which is an index relating to vascular sclerosis. If there is organic or functional hardening of the blood vessels, the vascular sclerosis index indicates the degree of vascular sclerosis due to each factor. The autonomic nerve index in some cases suggests the possibility that blood vessels have functionally hardened due to the effects of the autonomic nerves. By presenting these two indices, or, by associating these two indices, it is possible to estimate factors resulting in the degree of vascular sclerosis indicated by the vascular sclerosis index. This biological information measurement device (1) makes it possible to provide the person performing measurement with information that enables the appropriate use of the vascular sclerosis measurement results.

Description

Biological information measuring device

The present disclosure relates to a biological information measurement device.

There is known a biological information measuring device that measures an index related to the hardness of a blood vessel of a living body (hereinafter referred to as blood vessel hardness). As an example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a pulse wave generated in synchronization with a pulse is detected by using a cuff attached to the subject's arm, and the detected pulse wave is subjected to a calculation process. Describes a biological information measuring device for calculating an index relating to the blood vessel hardness of the human body.

According to the above prior art, since the calculated index is displayed on the display unit of the biological information measuring apparatus, the subject can recognize his / her blood vessel hardness.

JP 2013-118902 A

Biological arterial blood vessels are composed of substances such as smooth muscle cells, elastin, and collagen, and the blood vessel hardness is determined mainly by the characteristics of these substances. For example, there is a view that diabetic or elderly blood vessels become organically hard due to a decrease in elastin and an increase in collagen.

Therefore, for example, an index relating to blood vessel hardness can be measured using the biological information measuring device described in Patent Document 1, and the progress of disease can be diagnosed using the measurement result, for example.

Vascular hardness may become functionally hard due to the influence of the subject's autonomic nerve. For this reason, even when the blood vessel is organically soft, when the blood vessel is functionally hardened due to the influence of the autonomic nerve, the blood vessel hardness measured by the biological information measuring device or the like is not limited to the functional hardening of the blood vessel. Reflected.

Therefore, when the purpose of measuring the blood vessel hardness is to measure the organic hardness of the blood vessel, it is not possible to provide a measurement result or test subject (hereinafter referred to as “measurement person”) suitable for the purpose. .

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a biological information measuring apparatus that can provide information to a measurer or the like for appropriately using the measurement result of blood vessel hardness.

The biological information measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure calculates an autonomic nerve index that is an index related to the function of the autonomic nerve and a vascular hardness index that is an index related to the vascular hardness based on a measurement result of information related to the living body.

The biological information measurement device according to another aspect of the present disclosure outputs hardness evaluation information, which is information in which an autonomic nerve index, which is an index related to the function of the autonomic nerve, and a vascular hardness index, which is an index related to vascular hardness, to the notification device Let

According to the above aspect, information for properly utilizing the measurement result of the blood vessel hardness can be provided to the measurer or the like.

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of the biological information measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a flowchart (Flowchart) relating to a method for measuring an autonomic nerve index in the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2B is a flowchart relating to a method for measuring a blood vessel hardness index in the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a flowchart relating to a blood pressure measurement method in the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the cuff internal pressure and time and the relationship between the pulse wave and time in the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion X shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a method for displaying hardness evaluation information in Embodiment 1 in a map form. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for displaying blood pressure evaluation information in the form of a map in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of the biological information measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a flowchart regarding a method for measuring an autonomic nerve index in the second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7B is a flowchart relating to a method for measuring a blood vessel hardness index in the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of the biological information measuring apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to a blood vessel hardness index measurement method according to the third embodiment.

(An example of a form that the biological information measuring device can take)
[1] The biological information measuring device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is based on a measurement result of information about a living body, an autonomic nerve index that is an index related to the function of the autonomic nerve, and a vascular hardness that is an index related to vascular hardness. Calculate the indicator.

When the blood vessel is organically and functionally hardened, the blood vessel hardness index indicates the blood vessel hardness affected by each factor. The autonomic nerve index may indicate the possibility that the blood vessel is functionally cured due to the influence of the autonomic nerve. By presenting these two indices or associating the two indices, it is possible to estimate the factor that the blood vessel hardness indicated by the blood vessel hardness index has the hardness.

The biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect calculates an autonomic nerve index and a blood vessel hardness index. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a measurer or the like directly or indirectly with these indices or information associated with these indices.

The measurer and the like can determine the validity of the vascular hardness index based on the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect. Alternatively, the measurer or the like may determine the validity of the vascular hardness index based on the relationship between the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring device according to this aspect. it can.

Thus, the biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect can provide information to a measurer or the like for appropriately utilizing the measurement result of blood vessel hardness.

[2] The biological information measuring apparatus according to the second aspect of the present disclosure calculates hardness evaluation information that is information in which an autonomic nerve index and a vascular hardness index are associated with each other.

The biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect can provide hardness measurement information associated with an autonomic nerve index and a vascular hardness index directly or indirectly to a measurer or the like. The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the blood vessel hardness index based on the hardness evaluation information provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect.

[3] The biological information measuring apparatus according to the third aspect of the present disclosure further calculates a blood pressure value based on the measurement result, and calculates blood pressure evaluation information that is information relating the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value.

When blood pressure is organically or functionally increased or decreased, the blood pressure value shows the value affected by each factor. The autonomic nerve index may suggest that blood pressure may be functionally increased or decreased due to the effect of the autonomic nerve. By presenting these two indexes or associating the two indexes, it is possible to estimate a factor that the blood pressure indicated by the blood pressure value has the magnitude.

As described above, the biological information measuring device according to this aspect calculates blood pressure evaluation information based on the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value. Therefore, blood pressure evaluation information can be provided directly or indirectly to a measurer or the like.

The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the blood pressure value based on the blood pressure evaluation information provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect. As described above, the biological information measuring device according to this aspect can provide information for appropriately utilizing the blood pressure measurement result to a measurer or the like.

[4] The biological information measuring apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure calculates an autonomic nerve index, a vascular hardness index, and a blood pressure value based on a measurement result that is a result measured by the cuff.

The biological information measuring device according to this aspect calculates the above three values based on the result measured by the cuff. In order to calculate the above three values, the number of times of measurement can be reduced as compared with the case where information on each value is individually measured. That is, the burden on the subject for measuring blood vessel hardness and the like is reduced.

[5] The biological information measuring apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure calculates an autonomic nerve index and a vascular hardness index based on a measurement result including at least one of electrical information on the heart and information on a volume pulse wave To do.

[6] The biological information measuring apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes hardness evaluation information that is information in which an autonomic nerve index that is an index related to an autonomic nerve function and a blood vessel hardness index that is an index related to vascular hardness are associated with each other. Output to the notification device.

The biological information measuring device according to this aspect causes the notification device to output hardness evaluation information in which the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index are associated. The notification device provides hardness measurement information to a measurer or the like visually or audibly.

The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the blood vessel hardness index based on the hardness evaluation information provided from the notification device of the biological information measuring device according to this aspect. As described above, the biological information measuring apparatus according to this aspect can provide information to the measurer and the like for appropriately utilizing the measurement result of the blood vessel hardness.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the biological information measuring apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of the biological information measuring apparatus 1.

The biological information measuring device 1 includes a cuff 10 that can change the internal pressure, and a measuring device 20 that measures information related to the living body.

The measurement device 20 detects information related to a pulse wave of a living body based on a pressure control unit 30 that controls the internal pressure of the cuff 10, a pressure detection unit 40 that detects the internal pressure of the cuff 10, and a pressure signal from the pressure detection unit 40. And a pulse wave detection unit 50 that performs the above operation.

The measuring device 20 includes an index calculation unit 60 that functions as a first index calculation unit that calculates an autonomic nerve index that is an index related to the function of the autonomic nerve, and a second index that calculates a vascular hardness index that is an index related to vascular hardness. An index calculation unit 70 that functions as a calculation unit and a blood pressure calculation unit 80 that calculates a blood pressure value are further provided.

The measurement apparatus 20 includes a storage unit 90 that stores information calculated by the index calculation unit 60, the index calculation unit 70, and the blood pressure calculation unit 80, an index calculation unit 60, the index calculation unit 70, and a blood pressure calculation unit. 80 further includes a display unit 100 that is a notification device that displays information calculated by 80.

The pressure control unit 30 is connected to the cuff 10 through a resin tube 11. The pressure control unit 30 includes a pump (not shown) for supplying air to the cuff 10 via the tube 11, an exhaust valve (not shown) for discharging air from the cuff 10 via the tube 11, And a control device (not shown) for controlling the pump and the exhaust valve.

The pressure control unit 30 increases the internal pressure of the cuff 10 by driving the pump, and decreases the internal pressure of the cuff 10 by opening the exhaust valve.

The pressure detection unit 40 includes a pressure sensor (not shown) that measures the internal pressure of the cuff 10, and an A / D converter (not shown) that converts the pressure measured by the pressure sensor into a pressure signal that is a digital signal. Z)). The pressure detection unit 40 outputs a pressure signal including information related to the internal pressure of the cuff 10 to the pulse wave detection unit 50, the index calculation unit 70, and the blood pressure calculation unit 80.

The pulse wave detection unit 50 includes an amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the pressure signal, and a filter circuit (not shown) that removes a predetermined frequency from the amplified pressure signal. The pulse wave detection unit 50 detects a pulse wave signal including information on the pulse wave of the living body by removing a predetermined frequency from the pressure signal. The pulse wave detection unit 50 outputs the pulse wave signal to the index calculation unit 60, the index calculation unit 70, and the blood pressure calculation unit 80.

FIG. 3A is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the internal pressure of cuff 10 and time and the relationship between pulse wave and time in the present embodiment. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion X shown in FIG. 3A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the index calculation unit 60 detects a local maximum value in the temporal variation of the pulse wave of the living body from the pulse wave signal, is an interval between two continuous maximum values, and correlates with an interval between heartbeats. A heartbeat interval PP (see FIG. 3B) is calculated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the index calculation unit 60 calculates the autonomic nerve activity level, which is an autonomic nerve index, and the superiority of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve based on the fluctuation of the heartbeat interval PP. The autonomic nerve index is represented by a numerical value, for example.

The index calculation unit 70 detects a pulse wave peak value H (see FIG. 3B) from the pulse wave signal, and cumulatively adds a plurality of peak values H detected from the start to the end of the increase in the internal pressure of the cuff 10. The pulse wave cumulative addition value is calculated.

The index calculation unit 70 estimates the relationship between the internal pressure of the cuff 10 and the accumulated pulse wave value, and analyzes this relationship using a predetermined algorithm (Algorithm), thereby calculating the vascular hardness index. The blood vessel hardness index is represented by a numerical value, for example.

The blood pressure calculation unit 80 detects a plurality of peak values H of the pulse wave from the pulse wave signal, and estimates the relationship between the peak value H and the internal pressure of the cuff 10. The blood pressure calculation unit 80 calculates the maximum blood pressure, the minimum blood pressure, and the average blood pressure by analyzing this relationship using a predetermined algorithm such as an oscillometric method.

The storage unit 90 includes a storage device (not shown) and a clock (not shown). The storage unit 90 is associated with the measurement date, time, and the like, such as an autonomic nerve index, a vascular hardness index, and a blood pressure value output from the index calculation unit 60, the index calculation unit 70, and the blood pressure calculation unit 80, respectively. Store information.

The display unit 100 is, for example, a liquid crystal screen. Characters, numerical values, maps, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal screen. The display unit 100 displays characters, numerical values, a map, and the like related to information such as an autonomic nerve index, a blood vessel hardness index, and a blood pressure value stored in the storage unit 90.

The measurement method of the biological information measuring apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.

FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of a method for measuring an autonomic nerve index in the present embodiment. The subject wears the cuff 10 on the upper arm and starts measurement by the biological information measuring apparatus 1.

In step S11, supply of air to the cuff 10 by the pressure control unit 30 is started, and when the internal pressure of the cuff 10 starts to rise, tightening of the upper arm of the subject by the cuff 10 starts.

In step S12, the pressure detection unit 40 detects the internal pressure of the cuff 10, and outputs a pressure signal including information related to the internal pressure to the pulse wave detection unit 50, the index calculation unit 70, and the blood pressure calculation unit 80.

In step S13, the pulse wave detector 50 detects a pulse wave signal obtained by extracting information on the pulse wave of the subject from the pressure signal. The pulse wave detector 50 outputs the detected pulse wave signal to the index calculator 60, the index calculator 70, and the blood pressure calculator 80.

In step S14, the index calculation unit 60 calculates a heartbeat interval PP (see FIG. 3B) from the pulse wave signal. In step S <b> 15, the index calculation unit 60 calculates a PI value (Percentage index) indicating the fluctuation of the heartbeat interval PP as a percentage. The PI value is calculated by the following equation [1].

In step S16, the index calculation unit 60 calculates an entropy value E indicating the degree of autonomic nervous activity based on the probability distribution of the PI value calculated by Expression [1]. The entropy value E is calculated by the following equation [2]. Here, p (i) in Equation [2] is a probability distribution of PI values.

When the entropy value E calculated by Equation [2] is high, it indicates that the activity of the autonomic nerve is active. A low entropy value E indicates that the activity of the autonomic nerve is inactive.

In step S16, the index calculation unit 60 calculates a tone value T indicating the superiority of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve based on the PI value calculated by the equation [1]. The tone value T is calculated by the following equation [3].

When the tone value T calculated by Equation [3] is high, it indicates that the sympathetic nerve is dominant. A low tone value T indicates that the parasympathetic nerve is dominant.

The index calculation unit 60 calculates an autonomic nerve index from the entropy value E and the tone value T calculated by the equations [2] and [3].

In step S17, when the pressure control unit 30 starts to discharge air from the cuff 10, and when the internal pressure of the cuff 10 starts to drop, the cuff 10 tightens the upper arm of the subject. Through the above steps S11 to S17, the measurement of the autonomic nerve index is completed.

FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing an example of a blood vessel hardness index measurement method in the present embodiment.

The blood vessel hardness index is measured simultaneously with the measurement of the autonomic nerve index, for example. Note that the contents of steps S21 to S23 and step S27 in the blood vessel hardness index measurement method correspond to the contents of steps S11 to S13 and step S17, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In step S24, the index calculation unit 70 detects a pulse wave peak value H (see FIG. 3B) from the pulse wave signal. In step S <b> 25, the index calculation unit 70 calculates a pulse wave cumulative addition value from the detected plurality of peak values H.

In step S <b> 26, the index calculation unit 70 sets a curve (not shown) indicating the relationship between the accumulated pulse wave value and the internal pressure of the cuff 10 with the accumulated pulse wave value as the vertical axis and the internal pressure of the cuff 10 as the horizontal axis. Estimate and analyze. For example, when the curve shows a steep slope, it is estimated that the blood vessel is soft.

If the curve shows a gentle slope, it is estimated that the blood vessel is hard. The index calculation unit 70 calculates a blood vessel hardness index from the slope of this curve. Through the steps S21 to S27, the measurement of the blood vessel hardness index is completed.

FIG. 2C is a flowchart showing an example of a blood pressure measurement method in the present embodiment. For example, the blood pressure value is measured simultaneously with the measurement of the autonomic nerve index. The contents of steps S31 to S33 and step S36 in the blood pressure value measurement method correspond to the contents of steps S11 to S13 and step S17, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In step S34, the blood pressure calculation unit 80 detects a plurality of peak values H (see FIG. 3B) of the pulse wave from the pulse wave signal. In step S35, the blood pressure calculation unit 80 estimates an envelope (not shown) indicating the relationship between the peak value H and the internal pressure of the cuff 10, with the peak value H as the vertical axis and the internal pressure of the cuff 10 as the horizontal axis. Analyze based on oscillometric method.

For example, the pressure of the cuff 10 on the high pressure side when the peak value H of the envelope becomes a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value is estimated as the maximum blood pressure. The pressure of the cuff 10 on the low pressure side when the peak value H becomes a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value is estimated as the minimum blood pressure. The pressure of the cuff 10 when the peak value H is the maximum value is estimated as the average blood pressure. Through the above steps S31 to S36, the measurement of the blood pressure value is completed.

An example of the display method of the display unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a method for displaying hardness evaluation information in the present embodiment in a map form.

As shown in FIG. 4, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 includes a determination map for determining hardness evaluation information. The determination map is defined by two-dimensional coordinates with the autonomic nerve index as the horizontal axis and the blood vessel hardness index as the vertical axis.

In the determination map, a first threshold value T1 for determining the state of the autonomic nerve and a second threshold value T2 for determining the degree of vascular hardness are set. The first threshold value T1 and the second threshold value T2 are prepared in advance as, for example, a data table corresponding to the age of the subject. The subject inputs his / her age and the like in advance by using a touch panel (not shown) provided in the measuring device 20, for example.

The axis of the autonomic nerve index is divided into a region A1 indicating that the sympathetic nerve is dominant and a region A2 indicating that the parasympathetic nerve is dominant according to the first threshold value T1. The axis of blood vessel hardness is divided into a region B1 indicating that the blood vessel hardness is higher than the reference value and a region B2 indicating that the blood vessel hardness is lower than the reference value by the second threshold value T2.

The determination map is divided into four regions by a combination of region A1, region A2, region B1, and region B2.

The first area is an area where the area A1 and the area B1 overlap. The second area is an area where the area A2 and the area B1 overlap. The third region is a region where the region A1 and the region B2 overlap. The fourth region is a region where the region A2 and the region B2 overlap.

The biological information measuring apparatus 1 determines to which region of the determination map the points corresponding to the calculated autonomic nerve index and vascular hardness index belong, and outputs hardness evaluation information according to the determination result to the display unit 100. Let For example, the hardness evaluation information is displayed on the display unit 100 as follows.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the first region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to output hardness evaluation information indicating the possibility that the blood vessel has hardened due to the influence of the autonomic nerve.

In this case, since the blood vessel hardness index is larger than the second threshold value T2, it can be determined that the blood vessel hardness is higher than the reference value. In this case, since the autonomic nerve index is larger than the first threshold value T1, there is a possibility that the blood vessel is functionally hardened because the sympathetic nerve is dominant. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether or not the blood vessel hardness is higher than the reference value due to an organic factor.

Therefore, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to output hardness evaluation information that suggests that the increase in vascular hardness may be due to a functional factor without specifying the factor that increases the vascular hardness. . The display unit 100 preferably displays information that prompts remeasurement.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the second region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 suggests that the blood vessel hardness is higher than the reference value because the blood vessel is organically cured. Information to be output is displayed on the display unit 100.

In this case, since the blood vessel hardness index is larger than the second threshold value T2, it can be determined that the blood vessel hardness is higher than the reference value. In this case, since the autonomic nerve index is smaller than the first threshold T1, there is a low possibility that the blood vessel is functionally cured due to the influence of the sympathetic nerve. Therefore, it can be specified that the blood vessel hardness is higher than the reference value due to an organic factor.

Therefore, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to output hardness evaluation information that suggests that the increase in blood vessel hardness is due to an organic factor.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the third region, the biological information measuring device 1 indicates that the blood vessel hardness is lower than the reference value and the hardness evaluation information suggests that the sympathetic nerve is in a dominant tension state. Is output to the display unit 100.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the fourth region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 suggests that the blood vessel hardness is lower than the reference value and the parasympathetic nerve is in a relaxed state. Hardness evaluation information is output on the display unit 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display method of blood pressure evaluation information in the present embodiment in a map form. As shown in FIG. 5, the biological information measuring device 1 includes a determination map for determining blood pressure evaluation information. The determination map is defined by two-dimensional coordinates with the autonomic nerve index as the horizontal axis and the systolic blood pressure as the vertical axis. In the determination map, a third threshold T3 for determining the state of the autonomic nerve, and a fourth threshold T4 and a fifth threshold T5 for determining the degree of the blood pressure value are set.

3rd threshold value T3, 4th threshold value T4, and 5th threshold value T5 are prepared beforehand as a data table according to a test subject's age, for example. The subject inputs his / her age and the like in advance using, for example, a touch panel (not shown) provided in the measurement apparatus 20.

The axis of the autonomic nerve index is divided by a third threshold T3 into a region C1 indicating that the sympathetic nerve is dominant and a region C2 indicating that the parasympathetic nerve is dominant. The axis of the blood pressure value is based on the fourth threshold value T4 and the fifth threshold value T5, the region D1 indicating that the blood pressure value is higher than the reference value, the region D2 indicating that the blood pressure value is normal, and the blood pressure value is the reference value It is divided into a region D3 indicating lower.

The determination map is divided into six regions by a combination of region C1, region C2, region D1, region D2, and region D3.

The first region is a region where the region C1 and the region D1 overlap. The second region is a region where the region C2 and the region D1 overlap. The third region is a region where the region C1 and the region D2 overlap. The fourth region is a region where the region C2 and the region D2 overlap. The fifth region is a region where the region C1 and the region D3 overlap. The sixth region is a region where the region C2 and the region D3 overlap.

The biological information measuring apparatus 1 determines to which region of the determination map a point corresponding to the calculated autonomic nerve index and blood pressure value belongs, and causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information corresponding to the determination result. . For example, blood pressure evaluation information is displayed on the display unit 100 as follows.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the first region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information indicating the possibility that the blood pressure is high due to the influence of the autonomic nerve.

In this case, since the blood pressure value is larger than the fourth threshold value T4, it can be determined that the blood pressure value is higher than the reference value. In this case, since the autonomic nerve index is larger than the third threshold value T3, the blood pressure may be functionally high because the sympathetic nerve is dominant. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether or not the blood pressure value is higher than the reference value due to an organic factor.

For this reason, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 does not determine the factor that increases the blood pressure value, and causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information that suggests that the increase in blood pressure value may be due to a functional factor. The display unit 100 preferably displays information that prompts remeasurement.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the second region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 displays information indicating the possibility of hypertension higher than the reference value because the blood pressure value is organically high. The data is output to the display unit 100.

In this case, since the blood pressure value is larger than the fourth threshold value T4, it can be determined that the blood pressure value is higher than the reference value. In this case, since the autonomic nerve index is smaller than the third threshold T3, it is unlikely that the blood pressure is functionally high due to the influence of the sympathetic nerve. Therefore, it can be specified that the blood pressure value is higher than the reference value due to an organic factor.

Therefore, the biological information measuring device 1 causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information that suggests hypertension in which the blood pressure value increases due to an organic factor.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the third region, the biological information measuring device 1 displays blood pressure evaluation information that suggests that the blood pressure value is normal and the sympathetic nerve is dominant and is in a tense state. The data is output to the display unit 100.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the fourth region, the biological information measuring device 1 displays blood pressure evaluation information that suggests that the blood pressure value is normal and the parasympathetic nerve is in a relaxed state. The data is output to the display unit 100.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the fifth region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information indicating the possibility that the decrease in blood pressure is due to the influence of the autonomic nerve.

In this case, since the blood pressure value is smaller than the fifth threshold value T5, it can be determined that the blood pressure value is lower than the reference value. In this case, since the autonomic nerve index is larger than the third threshold value T3, blood pressure may be functionally lowered due to the predominance of the sympathetic nerve. Therefore, it cannot be specified whether the blood pressure value is lower than the reference value due to an organic factor.

For this reason, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 does not determine the factor that decreases the blood pressure value, and causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information that suggests that the decrease in blood pressure value may be due to a functional factor. The display unit 100 preferably displays information that prompts remeasurement.

When the points corresponding to the two indices belong to the sixth region, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 displays information indicating the possibility of hypotension lower than the reference value because the blood pressure value is organically low. The data is output to the display unit 100.

In this case, since the blood pressure value is smaller than the fifth threshold value T5, it can be determined that the blood pressure value is lower than the reference value. In this case, since the autonomic nerve index is smaller than the third threshold T3, it is unlikely that the blood pressure is functionally low due to the influence of the sympathetic nerve. Therefore, it can be specified that the blood pressure value is lower than the reference value due to an organic factor.

For this reason, the biological information measuring device 1 causes the display unit 100 to output blood pressure evaluation information that suggests that the blood pressure value is low due to an organic factor.

According to the present embodiment, the biological information measuring device 1 has the following operations and effects.

(1) When the blood vessel is organically and functionally hardened, the blood vessel hardness index indicates the blood vessel hardness affected by each factor. The autonomic nerve index may indicate the possibility that the blood vessel is functionally cured due to the influence of the autonomic nerve. By presenting these two indexes or associating the two indexes, a factor that becomes the vascular hardness indicated by the vascular hardness index can be estimated.

As described above, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 calculates the autonomic nerve index and the blood vessel hardness index. In this way, these indicators can be provided directly or indirectly to a measurer, or information associated with these indicators can be provided directly or indirectly to a measurer or the like.

The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the vascular hardness index based on the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring device 1. Alternatively, the measurer or the like can determine the validity of the vascular hardness index based on the relationship between the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring device 1.

As described above, the biological information measuring device 1 can provide information to a measurer or the like for appropriately utilizing the measurement result of the blood vessel hardness.

(2) When blood pressure is increased or decreased due to organic and functional factors, the blood pressure value indicates the value affected by each factor. The autonomic nerve index suggests the possibility that the blood pressure is functionally increased or decreased due to the influence of the autonomic nerve. By presenting these two indexes or associating the two indexes, it is possible to estimate a factor that the blood pressure indicated by the blood pressure value has the magnitude.

As described above, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 calculates blood pressure evaluation information based on the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value. Therefore, blood pressure evaluation information can be provided directly or indirectly to a measurer or the like.

The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the blood pressure value based on the blood pressure evaluation information provided directly or indirectly from the biological information measuring device 1. As described above, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 can provide information to the measurer and the like for appropriately utilizing the blood pressure measurement result.

(3) The biological information measuring apparatus 1 calculates an autonomic nerve index, a blood vessel hardness index, and a blood pressure value based on the result measured by the cuff 10. In order to calculate these three values, the number of times of measurement can be reduced as compared with the case where information on each value is individually measured. That is, the burden on the subject for measuring blood vessel hardness and the like is reduced.

(4) The biological information measuring apparatus 1 measures the autonomic nerve index, the blood vessel hardness index, and the blood pressure value when the subject wears the cuff 10. This configuration is easier to use than a configuration in which the subject wears another member in addition to the cuff and measures the autonomic nerve index, the blood vessel hardness index, and the blood pressure value.

(5) The biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to display hardness evaluation information in which the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index are associated. The display unit 100 visually provides the measurer and the like with hardness evaluation information.

The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the blood vessel hardness index based on the hardness evaluation information displayed on the display unit 100 of the biological information measuring apparatus 1. As described above, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 can provide information to the measurer and the like for appropriately utilizing the measurement result of the blood vessel hardness.

(6) The biological information measuring apparatus 1 causes the display unit 100 to display blood pressure evaluation information in which the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value are associated. The display unit 100 visually provides blood pressure evaluation information to a measurer or the like. The measurer or the like can determine the validity of the blood pressure value based on the blood pressure evaluation information displayed on the display unit 100 of the biological information measuring device 1. As described above, the biological information measuring apparatus 1 can provide information to the measurer and the like for appropriately utilizing the blood pressure measurement result.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the biological information measuring apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of the biological information measuring device 2.

The biological information measuring device 2 is different from the biological information measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment in the points described below, and has substantially the same configuration as the biological information measuring device 1 in other points. In the description of the biological information measuring device 2, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the biological information measuring device 1, and a part or all of the description of the configuration is omitted.

The biological information measuring device 2 includes a cuff 10 that can change the internal pressure, a plurality of electrodes 110 that measure electrical information of the heart, and a measuring device 20 that measures information related to the living body. The measuring device 20 includes an electrocardiogram detection unit 130 that detects an electrocardiogram (not shown) from the electrode 110.

The electrocardiogram detection unit 130 includes an amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the potential difference obtained from the electrode 110, a filter circuit (not shown) that removes noise, and a signal including information about the electrocardiogram that is a digital signal. And an A / D converter (not shown) for converting the signal. The electrocardiogram detection unit 130 detects information about the electrocardiogram from the electrodes 110 and outputs the information to the index calculation unit 60 and the index calculation unit 70.

The index calculation unit 60 detects an R wave from the electrocardiogram, and calculates a heartbeat interval that is an interval between two consecutive R waves and correlates with a heartbeat interval. The heart rate interval is calculated until the heart rate reaches a predetermined number. The index calculation unit 60 calculates the autonomic nerve activity level, which is an autonomic nerve index, and the superiority of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve based on the fluctuation of the heartbeat interval.

The index calculation unit 70 calculates the propagation time of the pulse wave that is the difference between the time when the R wave of the electrocardiogram occurs and the time when the maximum value of the pulse wave occurs, and calculates the propagation time from the heart to the position of the cuff 10 Divide by to calculate the pulse wave velocity. The index calculation unit 70 calculates a blood vessel hardness index from the pulse wave velocity.

7A and 7B, the measurement method of the biological information measuring device 2 will be described.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing an example of a method for measuring an autonomic nerve index in the present embodiment. The subject wears the cuff 10 on the upper arm, wears the electrode 110 on a predetermined target portion, and starts measurement by the biological information measuring device 2.

In step S41, when the supply of air to the cuff 10 is started by the pressure control unit 30 and the internal pressure of the cuff 10 starts to rise, tightening of the upper arm of the subject by the cuff 10 starts.

In step S42, the pressure detection unit 40 detects whether or not the internal pressure of the cuff 10 has reached a predetermined pressure. This predetermined pressure is a pressure at which the pulse wave of the subject can be detected from the internal pressure of the cuff 10, and is, for example, the value of the lowest blood pressure of the subject.

When the pressure detection unit 40 detects that the internal pressure of the cuff 10 has not reached the predetermined pressure, supply of air to the cuff 10 by the pressure control unit 30 is continued. When the pressure detector 40 detects that the internal pressure of the cuff 10 has reached a predetermined pressure, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S43, the pressure control unit 30 stops the supply of air to the cuff 10 and controls the internal pressure of the cuff 10 to be kept constant.

In step S44, the index calculation unit 60 detects an R wave from an electrocardiogram (not shown) detected by the electrocardiogram detection unit 130, and calculates a heartbeat interval. In step S45, the index calculation unit 60 detects whether or not the subject's heart rate has reached a predetermined number.

When the index calculation unit 60 detects that the subject's heart rate has not reached the predetermined heart rate, the calculation of the heart rate interval is continued. When the index calculation unit 60 detects that the subject's heart rate has reached a predetermined heart rate, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S46 and step S47, the index calculation unit 60 calculates the autonomic nerve index by the same method as step S15 and step S16 in the measurement method of the autonomic nerve index of the biological information measuring device 1.

In step S48, the pressure control unit 30 starts to discharge air from the cuff 10, and when the internal pressure of the cuff 10 starts to drop, the cuff 10 tightens the upper arm of the subject. With the above steps S41 to S48, the measurement of the autonomic nerve index is completed.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a blood vessel hardness index measurement method according to the present embodiment. For example, the blood vessel hardness index is measured simultaneously with the measurement of the autonomic nerve index. Note that the contents of steps S51 to S53 and step S57 in the blood vessel hardness index measurement method correspond to the contents of steps S41 to S43 and step S48, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In step S54, the index calculation unit 70 calculates the propagation time of the pulse wave that is the difference between the time of the R wave of the electrocardiogram and the time of the maximum value of the pulse wave. In step S55, the index calculation unit 70 calculates the pulse wave propagation velocity from this propagation time.

In step S56, the index calculation unit 70 calculates a vascular hardness index using the characteristics of the pulse wave velocity that increases in correlation with the vascular hardness. Through the above steps S51 to S57, the measurement of the blood vessel hardness index is completed.

According to the present embodiment, the biological information measuring device 2 has the following actions and effects in addition to the effects (1) and (5) of the first embodiment.

(7) The biological information measuring device 2 detects an electrocardiogram from the electrode 110. Therefore, the electrical activity of the heart can be detected without delay. According to the embodiment, an accurate autonomic nerve index is calculated.

(8) The biological information measuring device 2 calculates a blood vessel hardness index using the pulse wave velocity. According to the present embodiment, the blood vessel hardness index is measured in a wide range from the heart to the position of the cuff 10.

(9) The biological information measuring device 2 controls to keep the internal pressure of the cuff 10 constant. Therefore, the biological information measuring device 2 can calculate the heartbeat interval until the subject's heart rate reaches the optimum number for measuring the autonomic nerve index. According to the present embodiment, the PI value is accurately calculated, and the autonomic nerve index can be calculated more accurately.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the structure of the biological information measuring device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of the biological information measuring device 3.

The biological information measuring device 3 is different from the biological information measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment in the points described below, and has substantially the same configuration as the biological information measuring device 1 in other points. In the description of the biological information measuring apparatus 3, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the biological information measuring apparatus 1, and a part or all of the description of the structure is omitted.

The biological information measuring device 3 includes a cuff 10 capable of changing an internal pressure, a housing 210 having an opening (not shown), and a measuring device 20 that measures information related to a living body.

The housing 210 has a concave shape. A light emitting unit 211 that continuously emits light and a light receiving unit 212 that detects light are attached to the inner surface of the housing 210. The light emitting unit 211 is, for example, an LED (Light-emitting diode). The light receiving unit 212 is, for example, a PD (Photodiode). The light receiving unit 212 converts the detected light into an electrical signal.

The measuring apparatus 20 includes a light emission control unit 230 that controls light emission of the light emitting unit 211 and a volume pulse wave detection unit 240 that detects information related to the volume pulse wave of the living body from the electrical signal of the light receiving unit 212.

The volume pulse wave detection unit 240 includes an amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the electric signal, a filter circuit (not shown) that removes noise, and an A / A that converts the electric signal into a volume pulse wave signal that is a digital signal. And a D converter (not shown). The volume pulse wave detection unit 240 detects a volume pulse wave signal including information related to the volume pulse wave of the living body from the electrical signal, and outputs the volume pulse wave signal to the index calculation unit 70.

The index calculation unit 70 calculates the acceleration pulse wave by differentiating the volume pulse wave signal second-order on the time axis. The index calculation unit 70 calculates a blood vessel hardness index from this acceleration pulse wave.

With reference to FIG. 9, the measuring method of the biological information measuring device 3 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a blood vessel hardness index measurement method according to the present embodiment. The subject inserts a fingertip from an opening (not shown) of the housing 210 and starts measurement by the biological information measuring device 3.

The light emission control unit 230 starts light emission of the light emitting unit 211 in step S61. The light receiving unit 212 converts the light from the light emitting unit 211 into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the volume pulse wave detection unit 240.

In step S62, the volume pulse wave detection unit 240 detects a volume pulse wave signal including information on the volume pulse wave of the subject from the electrical signal. The volume pulse wave detector 240 outputs the volume pulse wave signal to the index calculator 70.

In step S63, the index calculation unit 70 calculates the acceleration pulse wave by differentiating the volume pulse wave signal on the time axis. Five maximum values of a wave, b wave, c wave, d wave, and e wave appear in the acceleration pulse wave.

In step S64, the index calculation unit 70 detects peak values (not shown) of a wave, b wave, c wave, d wave, and e wave from the acceleration pulse wave. In step S65, the index calculation unit 70 calculates a vascular hardness index K using each detected peak value and the following equation [4].

Here, a, b, c, d, and e in Equation [4] are the peak values of the a wave, b wave, c wave, d wave, and e wave, respectively. The peak value.

In step S66, the light emission control unit 230 stops the light emission of the light emitting unit 211. By the above steps S61 to S66, the measurement of the blood vessel hardness index is completed.

The measurement of the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value are measured simultaneously with the measurement of the blood vessel hardness index, for example. The measuring method of the autonomic nerve is a measuring method according to the measuring method of the autonomic nerve of the biological information measuring device 1, for example. The measuring method of a blood pressure value is a measuring method according to the measuring method of the blood pressure value of the biological information measuring device 1, for example.

Preferably, step S11 of the autonomic nerve measurement method and step S31 of the blood pressure value measurement method are started simultaneously with step S61 of the blood vessel hardness index measurement method.

According to the present embodiment, the biological information measuring device 3 has the following operations and effects in addition to the effects (1), (2), and (4) to (6) of the first embodiment.

(10) When the subject inserts a fingertip into the housing 210, the biological information measuring device 3 measures the blood vessel hardness index. According to this Embodiment, the test subject's burden for measuring vascular hardness is reduced. Moreover, it can contribute to the improvement of the convenience regarding the measurement of the blood vessel hardness index.

(Modification)
Specific forms that the biological information measuring apparatus can take are not limited to the forms exemplified in the above embodiments. The biological information measuring device can take a form different from the above embodiment as long as the purpose of the present start is achieved. The modification shown below is an example of the form which the biological information measuring device which concerns on the said embodiment can take.

The biological information measuring apparatus 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment does not include the blood pressure calculation unit 80. Similar modifications can be made in the third embodiment.

The biological information measuring apparatus 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment includes a determination map for determining hardness evaluation information and blood pressure evaluation information. The determination map in the modification is defined by three-dimensional coordinates having an axis of an autonomic nerve index, an axis of a blood vessel hardness index, and an axis of a blood pressure value.

In this case, the measurer or the like can read the autonomic nerve index, the blood vessel hardness index, and the blood pressure value from one map. For this reason, it becomes easy for a measurer etc. to recognize a test subject's measurement result. Similar modifications can be made in the third embodiment.

The biological information measuring device 2 according to the modification of the second embodiment includes a blood pressure calculation unit. The blood pressure calculation unit has the same configuration as the blood pressure calculation unit 80 of the first embodiment. For example, according to the biological information measuring device 2 of the modified example, the blood pressure measurement is started after the measurement of the autonomic nerve index and the measurement of the blood vessel hardness.

The pulse wave velocity used to measure vascular hardness may be affected by blood pressure. According to this modification, the blood pressure of the subject is calculated by the blood pressure calculation unit. By correcting the value of the pulse wave velocity with the measured blood pressure, a more accurate measurement result regarding the vascular hardness can be obtained.

-The electrode 110 of the modification of Embodiment 2 is an electrostatic capacitance type. The electrode 110 of this modification can be incorporated in clothes or a chair. Therefore, the trouble of the subject wearing the electrode 110 is eliminated.

The light emitting unit 211 of the modification of the third embodiment is a lamp.

The light emitting unit 211 according to the modification of the third embodiment modulates light and outputs the light. According to this modification, power consumption is reduced.

· According to the biological information measuring device 3 of the modification of the third embodiment, the light emitting unit 211 and the light receiving unit 212 are built in the cuff 10. According to the biological information measuring device 3 of the modified example, when the subject wears the cuff 10, the autonomic nerve index, the blood vessel hardness index, and the blood pressure value are measured.

Compared with a configuration in which the subject measures an autonomic nerve index, a blood vessel hardness index, and a blood pressure value by wearing another member in addition to the cuff, it is easy to use.

The biological information measuring apparatus 3 according to the modification of the third embodiment includes a housing that is attached to an ear or the like instead of the housing 210 into which a fingertip is inserted. This housing has substantially the same configuration as the housing 210. According to this modification, the measurement can be performed without restraining the subject's finger, which is convenient.

The plethysmogram detection unit 240 according to the modification of the third embodiment uses a plethysmogram signal A / D converted by an A / D converter (not shown) instead of a filter circuit (not shown). A digital filter (not shown) for digital signal processing is provided.

The index calculation unit 60 according to the modification of the third embodiment calculates an autonomic nerve index from the volume pulse wave of the living body. For example, the index calculation unit 60 of the modified example receives the volume pulse wave signal from the volume pulse wave detection unit 240, detects the local maximum value in the temporal fluctuation of the pulse wave of the living body from the volume pulse wave signal, A heartbeat interval (not shown) that is an interval between two maximum values and correlates with a heartbeat interval is calculated.

The index calculation unit 60 of this modification calculates the autonomic nerve index by the same method as Step S15 and Step S16 in the measurement method of the autonomic nerve index of the biological information measuring device 1. According to this modification, when the subject inserts a fingertip into the housing 210, the autonomic nerve index is measured. Accordingly, the burden on the subject for measuring the autonomic nerve index is reduced. Moreover, it can contribute to the improvement of the convenience regarding the measurement of an autonomic nerve index.

The biological information measuring devices 1 to 3 according to the modification include a cuff attached to an ear or the like instead of the cuff 10 attached to the upper arm. This cuff has substantially the same configuration as the cuff 10. In this case, since measurement is possible without restraining the upper arm of the subject, it is convenient for the subject. Since the cuff in the modification is smaller than the cuff 10 attached to the upper arm, the portability is good.

The biological information measuring devices 1 to 3 according to the modified examples individually measure the autonomic nerve index measurement, the blood vessel hardness index measurement, and the blood pressure value measurement.

The biological information measuring apparatuses 1 to 3 according to the modified example provide the measurer and the like with the corrected hardness evaluation information that associates the autonomic nerve index and the blood vessel hardness index. The corrected hardness evaluation information is information obtained by correcting the blood vessel hardness index with the autonomic nerve index. A measurer or the like can easily recognize the measurement result. Further, it becomes difficult to remeasure the blood vessel hardness index.

The biological information measuring devices 1 to 3 according to the modified examples provide corrected blood pressure evaluation information in which an autonomic nerve index and a blood pressure value are associated with a measurer or the like. The corrected blood pressure evaluation information is information obtained by correcting the blood pressure value with an autonomic nerve index. A measurer or the like can easily recognize the measurement result. In addition, it becomes difficult to remeasure blood pressure values.

The index calculation unit 60 in each modified example calculates an autonomic nerve index represented by, for example, 10 levels.

The index calculation unit 70 in each modified example calculates a blood vessel hardness index represented by, for example, 10 levels.

The index calculation unit 60 in each modification calculates an index of the balance of the autonomic nerve function (balance) (the balance between the function of the sympathetic nerve and the function of the parasympathetic nerve) as the autonomic nerve index. This autonomic nerve index is calculated by, for example, the total power (Total power) of the frequency analysis method or the ratio (LF / HF) of the LF (Low Frequency) component and the HF (Hi Frequency) component.

The biometric information measuring apparatuses 1 to 3 according to the respective modifications are configured so that the first threshold value T1 to the fifth threshold value T5 for defining a plurality of regions in the determination map are individually set by a measurer or the like. Composed.

The determination map for determining blood pressure evaluation information in each modification is defined by the axis of the autonomic nerve and the average blood pressure or the minimum blood pressure.

The display unit 100 in each modification individually displays an autonomic nerve index and a blood vessel hardness index.

The display unit 100 in each modification individually displays the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value.

The display unit 100 in each modification also displays the past measurement results stored in the storage unit 90 together with the measurement results of the subject. The subject can recognize the improvement effect and the like by comparing with the past measurement result.

The display unit 100 in each modification is an LED. For example, the test result is recognized by the subject by changing the lighting method of the LED.

-The display part 100 in each modification displays a measurement result with a radar chart.

The biological information measuring devices 1 to 3 according to the modification include a notification unit that is another notification device instead of the display unit 100 or in addition to the display unit 100. This notification unit causes the subject to recognize the measurement result by voice or the like.

The biological information measuring devices 1 to 3 according to the modified examples have a configuration that can be used for animal health management and the like.

The biological information measuring device according to the present disclosure can be used as a health care device.

1, 2, 3 Biological information measuring device 10 Cuff 11 Tube 20 Measuring device 30 Pressure control unit 40 Pressure detection unit 50 Pulse wave detection unit 60 Index calculation unit 70 Index calculation unit 80 Blood pressure calculation unit 90 Storage unit 100 Display unit 110 Electrode 130 ECG detector 210 Housing 211 Light emitter 212 Light receiver 230 Light emission controller 240 Volume pulse wave detector

Claims

A biological information measurement device that calculates an autonomic nerve index that is an index related to the function of an autonomic nerve and a vascular hardness index that is an index related to vascular hardness based on a measurement result of information related to a living body.
The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein hardness evaluation information that is information in which the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index are associated is calculated.
Further calculating a blood pressure value based on the measurement result,
The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein blood pressure evaluation information that is information in which the autonomic nerve index and the blood pressure value are associated is calculated.
The biological information measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the autonomic nerve index, the blood vessel hardness index, and a blood pressure value are calculated based on the measurement result that is a result measured by a cuff.
The biological information measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the autonomic nerve index and the vascular hardness index are calculated based on the measurement result including at least one of cardiac electrical information and volume pulse wave information.
A biological information measurement apparatus that causes a reporting apparatus to output hardness evaluation information that is information relating an autonomic nerve index that is an index related to the function of an autonomic nerve and a blood vessel hardness index that is an index related to blood vessel hardness.