Central blood pressure assessment using oscillometry is feasible for everyday clinical practice.

Abstract

The benefit of the central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) has already been recognized, but its general measurement in the everyday routine is still limited mainly because available established non-invasive assessment devices are not suitable for everyday use. In this study, we investigated the performance of an oscillometric device Tel-O-GRAPH for cSBP assessment in terms of suitability for everyday clinical use. One hundred and three patients were prospectively included. cSBP was computed by Tel-O-GRAPH compared with Sphygmocor using applanation tonometry. There was a good agreement between Tel-O-GRAPH and Sphygmocor for cSBP (mean difference±s.d.: -0.3±6.7 mm Hg; Pearson's R=0.95; P<0.0001). Recorded cSBP values in the supine vs seated position and for the experienced vs non-experienced user did not significantly differ (mean cSBPsupine 122.1±13.9 mm Hg vs cSBPseated 120.7±15.7 mmHg; cSBPnon-experienced 120.6±20.5 mm Hg and cSBPexperienced 119.2±19.9 mm Hg). The mean difference of cSBP between supine and seated positions was 1.5±6.8 and -1.4±5.0 mm Hg between experienced and non-experienced users. This study showed good accuracy in assessing cSBP with an oscillometric BP measurement device Tel-O-GRAPH compared with a Sphygmocor. Furthermore, the calculation of cSBP by Tel-O-GRAPH appears to be easy and can be done during the routine brachial BP measurement. Computed cSBP values seem to remain reliable independently of the patient body position and experience of the operator. Consequently, the easiness of utilization and reliability of the device may open the opportunity for its extended use in everyday clinical practice, as well as reliable alternative for clinical studies, making complex applanation tonometry dispensable.