ERRORS IN ASSESSMENT OF BLOOD-PRESSURE - BLOOD-PRESSURE MEASURING TECHNIQUE

This article reviews the recommended techniques for accurate and repro ducible blood pressure measurements. The scientific basis underlying c urrent recommendations for blood pressure measurement is presented. Ma ny of the current recommendations are not followed in ambulatory care clinics and this paper will show how measurement errors in excess of 1 5 mm Hg or more can occur. Many patients will be misclassified and tre ated inappropriately when errors in blood pressure measurement of this magnitude are made. Rigorous adherence to proper blood pressure measu rement is necessary to evaluate a patient's risk of cardiovascular dis ease, and to assess the need or efficacy of antihypertensive therapy.