Column: Hypertension Nursing

Abstract

Blood pressure measurement: what equipament or device? Blood pressure measurement is the most employed way to diagnose and treat hypertension. Therefore the accuracy of the values is essential. Although several factors are important for accurate blood pressure measurement, the most crucial factor is to use adequately calibrated devices. The aneroid sphygmomanometer usually is not accurately calibrated and mercury sphygmomanometer has always been regarded as the gold standard for clinical measurement of blood pressure, but many countries of Europe have banned the use of mercury. The electronic device is an option for blood pressure measurement, but all monitors in clinical use should be tested for accuracy in agreement for international protocols