Blood pressure differences between one automatic measurement and the mean value of 3 automatic measurements. SPRINT trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are discrepancies regarding how to measure blood pressure (BP). The goal of this study was to determine the differences between one automatic BP measurement and the mean of 3 automatic BP measurements.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: Two patient populations were used. A sample population (n=1,337) in which the measurement was performed by a nurse at the health center, and a consecutive series of patients (n=200) who had the measurement performed in front of the doctor in the office.

RESULTS: The differences found between the first reading and the average of 3 determinations were small in both cases. In the population sample, BP levels ranged from 2.07 to 3.21mmHg, and in patients who had their BP levels measured in the presence of doctor, this value ranged from 2.71±3.82mmHg (systolic pressure), with minimal differences in diastolic BP levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Little difference was found between the first determination and the average of 3 automatic BP readings.