Journals Proceedings

Abstract

The rapidly expanding number of automated devices and the necessity of replacing the manual sphygmomanometer, has raised concerns about the accuracy of blood pressure (BP) values measured by monitors. Our on-going research compared the use of HEINE GAMMA G5 aneroid vs. OMRON HEM-7203 automated sphygmomanometer, before implementing a studywide transition to the automated sphygmomanometer. BP of 74 normal and hypertensive individuals was measured in random order, under standardized conditions, using both types of devices. The study found no statistically significant difference for systolic and diastolic BP of normal and hypertensive subjects, using the automated BP monitor. Aneroid BP readings can be replaced by readings taken using a validated automated BP recorder in population surveys. The slightly lower readings obtained with the automated device (in the context of reduced observer-subject interaction) may be a more accurate estimate of BP status.