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The oscillometric wrist devices: an estimate of the ‘supine’ error

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 16, pages 525–526 (2002)Cite this article

Due to the fear of mercury toxicity, the classic Riva-Rocci sphygmomanometer is expected gradually to disappear from the medical wards.1,2 Oscillometric wrist devices are becoming popular mainly for self-measurement of blood pressure (BP). Some of these instruments have the advantage that they may record and save up to 30 measurements, which makes them an interesting option for repeated BP measurements. However, only few formal comparisons with the standard Riva-Rocci sphygmomanometer are available and some are unpublished.3 Therefore, before introducing a wrist device (NAIS-Matsushita) in our Unit, we formally tested its validity. This device, which is widely advertised in specialist medical journals, has not been formally tested by the BHS or the AAMI protocols. Since the wrist position is critical3,4 and BP in the clinical setting is often measured with patients lying in bed, we also estimated the error introduced by allowing the wrist to lay flat at the bed level. The issue is important because, although recognised, the magnitude of this error has not been systematically evaluated.

Ten normal subjects (f:8; m:2) with a mean age of 38 years (range 26–55), and 20 hypertensive patients (f:11; m:9) with a mean age of 54 years (range 34–78) were enrolled in the study. All subjects had a normal sinus rhythm and the difference in BP (mercury sphygmomanometer) between the two upper arms was less than 5 mm Hg. The cuff size used (12 cm wide and 23 cm long) was adequate for their mid-arm circumference. All subjects participated to two consecutive studies.

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  1. Renal Unit and Centro di Fisiologia Clinica del C.N.R., Reggio, Calabria, Italy

    G Caridi, C Zoccali & G Enia

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  1. G Caridi
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  2. C Zoccali
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  3. G Enia
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Correspondence to G Enia.

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Caridi, G., Zoccali, C. & Enia, G. The oscillometric wrist devices: an estimate of the ‘supine’ error. J Hum Hypertens 16, 525–526 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001422

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001422

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