Comparability of two commonly used automated office blood pressure devices in the severely obese. Issue 5 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Padwal, Raj S.; Majumdar, Sumit R.
• Is Part Of: Blood pressure monitoring. Volume 21:Issue 5(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: automated office device -- blood pressure measurement -- oscillometric -- severe obesity; Blood pressure -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Blood Pressure Determination -- Periodicals; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory -- Periodicals; Blood Pressure Monitors -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 612.140287
• DOI: 10.1097/MBP.0000000000000196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-5237

Abstract

Abstract : The accuracy of automated office blood pressure (BP) devices in severely obese individuals is unknown. In an exploratory study, we compared standardized BP measurements using a BpTRU device with those taken using a WatchBP Office monitor. Paired t -tests, Bland–Altman plots, and Pearson's correlations were used to compare devices. A total of 62 patients were analyzed: their mean age was 39.5±9.3 years and their mean BMI was 45.1±5.7 kg/m 2 . Fifty-five patients (89%) were women and 21 (34%) had a diagnosis of hypertension. The mean BpTRU values were 117.2±12.7/76.7±9.7 mmHg and the mean WatchBP measurements were 126.6±13.8/79.7±10.9 mmHg [difference of −9.4±11.6 for systolic ( P <0.0001) and −3.0±7.7 mmHg for diastolic ( P =0.003)]. A Bland–Altman plot for systolic BP showed considerable variability. Only four (6.5%) patients had hypertension (>140/90 mmHg) according to BpTRU versus 15 (24%) according to WatchBP. In conclusion, the mean BP measurements taken using two commonly used automated office devices differed markedly and by a clinically important magnitude. These data indicate the need for formal validation of these devices specifically in severely obese individuals.