The diagnosis of hypertension

Abstract

The diagnosis of hypertension requires accurate measurement of blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are altered by several factors related to the observer, patient, equipment and technique used. The observer must avoid digt preference, deflation rate too fast, heavy pressure on brachial artery and keep the eye level at the top of the column of mercury. The patient should shun anxiety, distention of urinary bladder, exertion, pain and recent smoking or food intake. Errors in blood pressure readings can also be caused by defects of sphigmomanometers and cuff size/arm size disparity.