Measurement variation among 12 electronic home blood pressure monitors

Although there are AAMI and BHS standards for accuracy of electronic home e lectronic blood pressure monitors (HBPM), patient composition differences a nd differences in manufacturer's algorithm for calculation of the systolic and diastolic measurement may result in measurement differences between mon itors. The aim of this study was the measurement of differences among HBPM. Paired comparisons were performed between the Omron 712c electronic home mo nitor and each of 12 other HBPM (Sunbeam 7654, Sunbeam 7623, Omron 711, Omr on 432c, A&D-UA767, Lumiscope 1085M, Omron 725CIC, Assure A30, Lumiscope 10 83N, Omron 815, Omron 605, and Assure BDW20), in addition to comparison to the auscultatory method by trained observers. Measurements were made in normotensive subjects in an ambulatory setting. T he main outcome measures were systolic and diastolic blood pressure measure ments. All of the HBPM, except for the Sunbeam 7654 and the Assure A30/BD-W 20 (wrist) models, demonstrated small differences of <4/4 mm Hg for systoli c/diastolic measurements with pulse measurement differences of <3 beats/min . These differences were less than the differences previously reported fox office BP auscultation of 6/5-10 mm Hg for systolic/diastolic measurements. The Omron 712c, passing previous AAMI and BHS standards, measured the syst olic reading within 2 mm Hg of auscultatory mercury or aneroid measurement and under-measured the diastolic by 6-9 mm Hg, Differences in the patient c omposition studied could account for the difference. The wrist and finger m anometers performed clinically similar to the Omron 712c, except for the As sure BD-W20, which over-measured the diastolic by 7 mm Hg. It is concluded that the small differences among the various HBPM, which are less than thos e in clinical office auscultation, should encourage greater use of electron ic manometers in the office and at home. Am J Hypertens 2000;13:276-282 (C) 2000 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.