October 28, 2004 – One in two patients taking their own blood pressure at home does not know how to use the sphygmomanometer – the device that measures it – researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have found1.
These devices are accurate and meet international quality standards, but they are not always used properly. These are often simple errors that are easily avoided by users.
All 80 study participants came to a clinic with a drugstore-bought device to assess how they were taking their blood pressure. Of these, barely 50% knew how to properly place the cuff and 46% were unaware that speaking during the measurement could affect the results. Only 10% were aware that you need to rest for at least two minutes before taking blood pressure.
These errors can seriously affect the results of a measurement and could endanger the heart health of users. This is because erroneous blood pressure readings can lead to inappropriate treatment as doctors increasingly pay attention to home measurements when monitoring their patients.
On the other hand, some devices do not always provide all the instructions necessary for their proper use. This is why the authors of the study recommend that users, when purchasing their device, be well informed about its operation and have it checked for accuracy by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. .
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
According to La Presse.
1. Stryker T, Wilson M, Wilson TW. Accuracy of home blood pressure readings: monitors and operators. Blood Press Monit. 2004 Jun; 9 (3): 143-7.
