Praktické lekárnictvo 1/2011

Blood pressure measurement

The blood pressure measurement is one of the most frequently performed procedures in a physician office. It is described as a „causal blood pressure”. The severity of hypertension is better reflected by home blood pressure measurement. 24 hour blood pressure monitoring provides even more precise information about a blood pressure profile. Standard measurement of blood pressure by indirect auscultation method uses a mercury sphygmomanometer on arm. Systolic blood pressure is read in the 1st phase and diastolic in the 5th Korotkoff phase. In specific situations accompanied by increased cardiac output, the diastolic blood pressure is read in the 4th phase (pregnant women, children under 13 years). We should use an appropriate size of a blood pressure cuff reflecting the arm circumference of an examined person. Automated oscilometric devices are more suitable for home blood pressure measurement. Patients should use only validated devices and should be informed about correct blood pressure measurement.

Keywords: blood pressure, measurement, automatic oscilometric device, home blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.