A comparison of two methods of blood pressure measurement

In current practice, a two-stage approach to measuring blood pressure (BP) has been widely accepted as the most accurate and reliable method. However, by changing the local haemodynamics, this procedure might alter the blood pressure. In a study of 39 subjects, blood pressure was measured using two indirect methods (two-stage and one-stage approaches). Results showed no statistically significant difference in values for systolic blood pressure obtained from the two methods. Statistically significant lower diastolic blood pressure values were obtained using the two-stage compared to the one-stage approach. It is proposed that initial inflation of the cuff to estimate systolic blood pressure in the two-stage approach might lead to reactive hyperaemia and, therefore, a lower diastolic value. This two-stage approach might not provide the accurate readings it claims, and in addition it requires more time and subjects the patient to longer periods of stress.