Abstract: A device is disclosed for making blood pressure measurements using an inflatable cuff (12), wherein the cuff deflation rate is established based upon prior blood pressure measurements. The cuff is adapted for applying pressure to a patient adjacent a blood vessel. the device includes means (14, 16) for inflating and deflating the cuff, a sensor system (60) for providing sensor signals during cuff deflation that correspond to the cuff pressure and to the blood flow surges in the blood vessel, and a process controller (100). The process controller causes inflation of the cuff to a first pressure and subsequent deflation of the cuff from the first pressure to a lower second pressure at a preestablished deflation rate, the inflation and subsequent deflation of the cuff comprising one measurement cycle.