Problems and solutions in diagnosing systemic hypertension.

Abstract

The accurate measurement of blood pressure is the bedrock of the proper management of disorders of arterial pressure. This is especially important as hypertension is a prevalent disease, with very considerable impact on morbidity and mortality. Pitfalls in the measurement of blood pressure occur in three main areas: blood pressure measurement devices, blood pressure measurement technique, and blood pressure sampling pattern. Ignorance concerning these areas leads to errors of diagnosis, particularly overdiagnosis in persons with borderline or labile blood pressure. By contrast, skilful application of blood pressure measuring devices will increase one's understanding of blood pressure physiology, pathology, and response to treatment.