Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure measurement forms the basis for the diagnosis, management and treatment of arterial hypertension.^1-4 Any decision regarding hypertension management relies heavily on the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement and therefore adequate blood pressure measurements are an absolute necessity.

Techniques for the measurement of blood pressure include the mercury sphygmomanometer and other non-invasive devices (aneroid and auscultatory or oscillometric semiautomatic devices).

Several methods are employed to assess blood pressure:^1,3,4

• Practice or clinic blood pressure measurement
• Self-measurement of blood pressure
• Blood pressure measurement during exercise
• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)

References