Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically measuring blood pressure, particularly diastolic pressure, in a shortened period of time. A first predetermined pressure range below a determined systolic level is established and, if Korotkov pulse sounds are received as cuff pressure decreases through this range, a cuff pressure corresponding to a last detected Korotkov sound is determined as a diastolic pressure when no Korotkov pulse sounds are received in a third narrow pressure range beginning at the cuff pressure coresponding to the last detected Korotkov sound. If Korotkov sounds disappear during decrease of cuff pressure through the first pressure range a cuff pressure corresponding to a last detected Korotkov sound is determined as a diastolic pressure when no Korotkov sounds are received in a second wide predetermined pressure range beginning at the cuff pressure corresponding to the last detected Korotkov sound.