Comparison of auscultatory and oscillometric blood pressures.
OBJECTIVE
To study the differences in blood pressure readings between the auscultatory and oscillometric (Dinamap model 8100; Critikon, Tampa, Fla) methods.


METHODS
Survey of 2 blood pressure instruments.


METHODS
Public schools.


METHODS
Seven thousand two hundred eight schoolchildren aged 5 through 17 years.


METHODS
Blood pressure levels.


RESULTS
For all children combined, Dinamap systolic pressure readings were 10 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, -4 to 24 mm Hg) than the auscultatory systolic pressure readings. Dinamap diastolic pressure readings were 5 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, -14 to 23 mm Hg) than the auscultatory Korotkoff phase V diastolic pressure readings.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings preclude the interchange of readings by the 2 methods. Caution must be exercised in the diagnosis of hypertension when an automated device is used.
Park
M K
MK
Department of Pediatrics, MSC 7734, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. parkm@uthscsa.edu
Menard
S W
SW
Yuan
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001314:Auscultation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D015982:Bias; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003971:Diastole; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards*; D013599:Systole