Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure measurement, one of the most used measurements in clinical practice, is often performed carelessly. The clinical consequences of inaccurate measurement of blood pressure include misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment and failure to prevent the cardiovascular consequences of high blood pressure. This review concentrates on the conventional technique of blood pressure measurement using a mercury sphygmomanometer, which remains the most accurate device for measuring blood pressure. The major sources of error are inadequate observer training, sphygmomanometer inaccuracy, and poor technique.