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In recent years, the accuracy of the conventional Riva-Rocci/Korotkoff technique of blood pressure measurement has been questioned and efforts have been made to improve the technique with automated devices. In the same period, recognition of the phenomenon of white coat hypertension, whereby some subjects with apparent elevation of blood pressure have normal, or reduced, blood pressures when measurement is repeated away from the medical environment, has focused attention on methods of measurement that provide profiles of blood pressure behaviour rather than relying on isolated measurements under circumstances that may in themselves influence the level of blood pressure recorded.
This article has been adapted from the newly published 4th edition of ABC of Hypertension . The book is available from the BMJ bookshop and at http://www.bmjbooks.com/
These methodologies have included repeated measurements of blood pressure using the traditional technique, self measurement of blood pressure in the home or workplace, and ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) using innovative automated devices. 1
Essential messages
Consider carefully which monitor to buy
Consider which type of service is best suited to your needs
Consider analysis and presentation of data
Exclusion of white coat hypertension is a major indication
The technique is valuable in the elderly
The technique is being increasingly used in pregnancy
Setting up an ambulatory blood pressure measurement service
Which monitor to buy?
A large variety of ambulatory blood pressure measurement devices are now available on the market, and the number will increase as the technique of ambulatory blood pressure measurement becomes more widespread. A number of factors should influence this choice, among which the most important is to ensure that the device has been validated independently according to either the protocol of the British Hypertension Society (BHS), 2 and/or that of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). 3
Which monitor to choose
Check for independent validation by BHS/AAMI protocols
How much will it cost?
How expensive is the software?
Is the software what you need?
Are the instructions adequate?
How much will maintenance cost?
How expensive are consumables-batteries, etc?
Have you adequate computer facilities?
Is the technical/nursing back up available?
Are training facilities available?
Is the warranty adequate?
Is there an adequate servicing facility?
What type of service?
Doctors in practice may establish their...