An apparatus (1) and method for detecting pulse-related parameters, such as pulse arrhythmia is presented. The apparatus (1) detects a series of pulses from a user, e.g. through a cuff-related measurement. Time differences, amplitude and pattern differences between multitudes of N pulses are determined. The apparatus investigates the degree of similarity of multiple pulse periods and / or pulse amplitudes and / or pulse pattern and subsequently generates a statistical set of similarity values based on a plurality of compared results. Basing on this, the apparatus generates a decision value based on the statistical sets of similarity values, and uses the decision value to determine whether or not the user discloses a normal pulse rhythm, atrial fibrillation, premature atrial or ventricular contractions, tachycardia, bradycardia and/or unspecified pulse arrhythmia. Further an artefact index is generated, informing the user whether a measurement was taken under sufficient artefact-free measurement conditions.