Blood Pressure–Measuring Devices

Rose and colleagues1 found that the DINAMAP models 1846-SX and 1846-SX/P (Critikon Corp) systematically skip 14 values of systolic blood pressure, of which some (140 and 160 mm Hg) are critical in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. The findings of Rose and colleagues1 come as no surprise. The DINAMAP 8100 failed to pass validation.2 Furthermore, to protect their intellectual and commercial interests, most−if not all−manufacturers of blood pressure monitors operate in secrecy. Against current recommendations,3 they modify the technical specifications and software of devices without notice or fail to subject new or modified devices to independent peer-reviewed validation in a timely manner.4 Guideline …