Heart Group Updates Statement on Blood Pressure Measurement

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and André Sofair, MD, MPH

The American Heart Association has updated its 2005 statement on blood pressure measurement. Among the highlights, published in Hypertension:

• For office BP measurement, oscillometric devices can limit the human error seen with auscultatory methods. An automated device that can average three or more readings is the preferred approach; leaving the patient alone may help ensure that he or she doesn't talk during the measurement.

• For self-measurement at home, a clinician should first check the upper-arm cuff for accuracy.

The statement also includes useful tables outlining steps for proper in-office, home, and ambulatory BP measurement; algorithms for screening for white-coat and masked hypertension; and special considerations for measuring BP in children, pregnant women, older adults, obese patients, and those with arrhythmias.