A method for estimating blood pressure using a blood flow occlusion system applied to an artery includes receiving from a first sensor a sensed signal； processing at a processor the sensed signal to detect beats in a pulsatile signal； determining validity of the detected beats； storing the detected beats and data associated with the detected beats in the sensed signal as the pressure applied to the artery by the blood flow occlusion system deflates towards a level below a nominal level； determining baseline beat characteristics； evaluating the stored beats and associated data to detect change in beat characteristics as compared to the baseline beat characteristics； selecting a beat before the detected change in the beat characteristic as the last beat indicating the onset of the diastolic blood pressure for the artery； determining a value of the applied pressure at the last beat as the diastolic blood pressure for the artery.
