Via practica 5/2007

VALIDITY OF BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AT THE END OF ERA OF MERCURY PRESSURE GAUGE

Article presents informations about blood pressure measurement during an era, when EU countries prepare banning of mercury pressure gauge for ecological reasons. Article documents great importance of practical management of hypertension, including blood pressure monitoring in well developed and developing countries. The author describes in detail general principles of the positioning of patient, cuff selection, blood pressure measurement and mainly selection of an electronic blood pressure monitor suitable for home blood pressure measurement, as well as blood pressure measurement in an out-patient clinic and hospitals. The author emphasizes the need to verify accuracy of all the types of blood pressure monitors according to standard protocols and individual accuracy in a specific patient. He compares different protocols and shows practical blood pressure measurement guidelines in particular situations (older patients, pregnancy, obese patients).

Keywords: blood pressure measurement, electronic devices for blood pressure measurement, oscilometric methods of blood pressure measurement, standardization of blood pressure monitors.