Clinical decision-making in hypertension using an automated (BpTRU) measurement device

J Hum Hypertens. 2003 Dec;17(12):823-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001626.

Abstract

Mercury sphygmomanometers are being removed from clinical practice in the United States due to environmental concerns about mercury toxicity. Accurate blood pressure measurement is central to high-quality hypertension management. In this study of 106 patients, the BpTRU(TM) device was compared to nurse blood pressure measurements that complied with all the JNC VII/American Heart Association guidelines in evaluation of a random casual blood pressure. The intermethod difference in systolic blood pressure was +1.8+/-5.1 mmHg, and for diastolic blood pressure it was 4.8+/-5.1 mmHg (both P<0.001). For the primary study end point of clinical decision-making, there was 92% (97/106) agreement between the hypertension nurse specialist and the BpTRU (kappa 0.8280, 95% confidence interval, 0.721-0.9350). The oscillometric blood pressure measurement with the BpTRU is recommended as a replacement for poorly performed auscultatory blood pressure measurement in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Automation
  • Blood Pressure Monitors*
  • Decision Making*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Mercury
  • Middle Aged
  • Oscillometry
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sphygmomanometers

Substances

  • Mercury