Blood pressure measurement by
automated devices- background informationEHES Training
Material
Hypertension as a cardiovascular risk factor
What is blood pressure?• Systolic blood pressure
(higher value) represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body
• Diastolic blood pressure (lower value) represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats
Risk factors of elevated blood pressure
• Salt intake• Obesity• Alcohol use• Sedentary lifestyle• Smoking• Fat contents of the food
Factors affecting blood pressure levels
• Measurement environment • Noise, temperature
• Factors related to the participant• Factors related to the measurer• Measurement device
• Cuff size
Factors related to the participant
• Emotions – white coat hypertension• Exercise• Eating before measurement• Smoking• Use of caffeine containing drinks• Alcohol use• Full bladder• Pain• Daily variation• Medication
Average magnitude of the effects (1/3)
Effect Systolic bp (mmHg) Diastolic bp (mmHg)Full bladder 10-15 mmHg, even
up to 50 mmHg if bladder uncomfortably distended
10 mmHg, even up to 40 mmHg if bladder uncomfortably distended
Not resting 3 to 5 minutes before measurement
10-20 mmHg 14 mmHg
Back / feet unsupported
5-15 mmHg 6 mmHg
Supine posture instead of sitting posture
3-10 mmHg 1-5 mmHg
Average magnitude of the effects (2/3)
Effect Systolic bp (mmHg) Diastolic bp (mmHg)Legs crossed 5-8 mmHg 3-5 mmHgParticipant talks during the measurement
10-15 mmHg 6-10 mmHg
Arm below heart level
10 mmHg 10 mmHg
Physical exercise before measurement
22 mmHg 7-8 mmHg
Left arm instead of right arm
1-3 mmHg 1 mmHg
Arm unsupported during the measurement
1-7 mmHg 5-11 mmHg
Average magnitude of the effects (3/3)
Effect Systolic bp (mmHg) Diastolic bp (mmHg)Cuff too small 3-12 mmHg 2-8 mmHgCuff too large 10-30 mmHg 10-30 mmHgCuff over clothing up to 5 mmHg
Acknowledgements• Slides
• Hanna Tolonen
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